as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the flabbergasting sight of the mess that the teens had left in the kitchen
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
your decision to suddenly quit your job flabbergasts me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flabbergasting
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Dohnányi, after no end of rigorous rehearsal, obtained a collective sound of unreal, flabbergasting clarity.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flabbergasting
Adjective
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These odds place him just outside the Top 5, and are better than Dirty Dom, Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar, who is a surprising +2500.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The events that Herbert films are undated; the movie only hints at chronology, and its dramatic arc is a surprising one, revealing a change of consciousness by way of changes of circumstance.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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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That startling consistency, however, did not always translate to postseason success.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Lee, working with a script by Alan Fox, spins out the multiple threads of action with startling swiftness and characteristically rapid-fire, confrontational dialogue.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Costa Blanca is stunning from dry land, but exploring by water offers an opportunity to see the coastline from a new perspective.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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Read on for more on-sale Kate Spade purses worth checking out, including a chic suede laptop bag, a leather commuter tote, and a stunning blue oversized shoulder bag.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The hunt for a murder suspect uncovers a crime with shocking legal and ethical implications; Bruno must protect his squad during a raid on a suspect's home; Carisi and Price team up in court when Brady's interrogation tactics undermine the case.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Jan. 2026
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The short-term impact was shocking with the loss of foliage but today, about 15 years later, the border looks beautiful and screens the neighbor’s house and yard while providing a reliable habitat for birds.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
What extravagant actions can a life of astonishing clothes inspire?—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
There’s certainly the capital expenditure (Capex) figure, which is astonishing.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flabbergasting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flabbergasting. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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