variants
also dumfounded
1
as in stunned
affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise
dumbfounded by the realization that he had just won the grand prize in the multistate lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amazed
filled with amazement or wonder
dumbfounded visitors to the Grand Canyon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also dumfounded
as in surprised
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the surprise ending will dumbfound even the most seasoned mystery reader
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dumbfounded
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
Ron says, comically dumbfounded.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2025
The leaders of a group that searched for it at the end of June were dumbfounded when the King suddenly appeared on sonar, said Brendon Baillod, president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archeological Association.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2025
The Morning Show costars and friends of nearly three decades both learned something new about each other in a recent interview with LADbible, as Aniston, 56, was left dumbfounded after learning that Reese is not actually Witherspoon's name.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
But all that has left many small and medium-sized vendors dumbfounded as to why Saks has not kept its promise to pay its bills, while larger vendors and luxury conglomerates — LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Richemont and Kering — have been getting paid.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 29 Dec. 2025
But now that the project has been abruptly terminated, leaving veterans dumbfounded by the decision.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
The release, which Taco Bell says is one of its most exclusive ever, has some fans dumbfounded and others ready to dive right in.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Cubs fans who have caught Brewers games of late have likely been dumbfounded by their performance.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
In the first-look image released on Wednesday, Hoffman is staring, almost dumbfounded, at a smirking, blonde-wigged Wilde, who is dressed for the part of dominatrix.
—Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
Ron says, comically dumbfounded.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2025
The leaders of a group that searched for it at the end of June were dumbfounded when the King suddenly appeared on sonar, said Brendon Baillod, president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archeological Association.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2025
The Morning Show costars and friends of nearly three decades both learned something new about each other in a recent interview with LADbible, as Aniston, 56, was left dumbfounded after learning that Reese is not actually Witherspoon's name.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
But all that has left many small and medium-sized vendors dumbfounded as to why Saks has not kept its promise to pay its bills, while larger vendors and luxury conglomerates — LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Richemont and Kering — have been getting paid.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
Even though officials describe work release as a form of custody, the fact that Brom was getting a measure of freedom outraged and dumbfounded many legislators, law enforcement officials and members of the community with knowledge and memories of the horrific crime.
—Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 29 Dec. 2025
But now that the project has been abruptly terminated, leaving veterans dumbfounded by the decision.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
The release, which Taco Bell says is one of its most exclusive ever, has some fans dumbfounded and others ready to dive right in.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Cubs fans who have caught Brewers games of late have likely been dumbfounded by their performance.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfounded
Adjective
-
Rents reflected all of that, and many older, long-time residents in modest suburbs seemed stunned to learn of leases starting at $1,500 or $1,600 a month and reaching as high as $3,800 or even $4,000.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Farley, who looks stunned, examines it.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Jimmy Fallon was amazed that Charles said that to Kelce, and not just because the 6-foot-5 Kelce could have pounded the actor into a pulp.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 Jan. 2026
-
All those economic experts will be amazed.—
William W Bedsworth,
Oc Register,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Some of her advice surprised me.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Bankers shouldn't be surprised that now Trump — who fears that Republicans could suffer in midterm elections in 2026 — would try to regain a bit of populist popularity with a 10 percent cap on credit card rates.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The mom of two could be seen typing and looking animatedly at her screen, appearing shocked.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Fans on social media are mostly excited (and a little shocked) at this latest bakery item.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Royals lost 106 games in his first season but astonished the baseball world by making the playoffs in 2024.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Researchers studying the carcasses of bats in a cave system were astonished to find evidence that common rats have developed a method of catching and eating bats mid-flight—something previously unknown to science.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
And she is just completely dumbstruck by that.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The parents at this kind of show, of course, are less dumbstruck than the kids: The card is not floating but instead swinging on some string.—
Joseph Vukov,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2024
Adjective
-
The movie took liberties, but White's fight for Stuart to be a mouse-like boy is an important part of his history, even if some are bewildered by it.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
13 Dec. 2025
-
Uma is bewildered at this new world, while Gopal can’t so much as look at her.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Authorities in southern Colorado are investigating after a sudden explosion damaged a building and startled nearby residents.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Leibfried was responding to a report of a domestic disturbance in the building and was startled by a loud bang that emanated from the closed door of an apartment.—
Peter Passi,
Twin Cities,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dumbfounded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfounded. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
