variants
also dumfounding
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the dumbfounding sight of the race car driver walking away from that horrific crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also dumfounding
as in amazing
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
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Recent Examples of dumbfounding
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
Stroud’s development has stalled in Houston, where the Texans’ offensive line has long been a problem but can’t explain his erratic decision-making and dumbfounding turnovers.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfounding
Adjective
-
Close to Rocky Mountain National Park, this all-inclusive guest ranch has everything from classic ranch activities like trail rides to surprising options such as a ropes course and zip line.—
Julie Bielenberg,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The breakout at the plate isn’t all that surprising.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Despite being debunked time and time again, a startling proportion of the public still hold onto these claims.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
1 Apr. 2026
-
There's a startling new plastic surgery trend.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Marin stuck to her plan of staying close until a moment that changed everything with shocking swiftness — her changing her mind and going for the green on the par-5 13th for a go-ahead birdie, and Talley adding to the sad history of collapses on the back nine at the home of the Masters.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
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Emma’s shocking admission rattles the entire wedding party, particularly Haim’s Rachel, whose cousin was left paralyzed by an act of gun violence.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Leonardsen lives on the second floor of a concrete-and-glass building along the harbor, which has stunning views of the sea.—
Eric Klinenberg,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Today, The Retreat is known for its ultra-luxe accommodations, amenities such as afternoon tea, and stunning location.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Readers who approach this dense but astonishing book will laugh at how superficial that query seems in contrast to the mysteries of the universe.—
Bethanne Patrick,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Between those bookends lies an astonishing range of human activity scratched onto broken pottery.—
Ryan Brennan
April 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dumbfounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfounding. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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