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
-
There is one surprising tool that can avoid all the sneezing and cleanup that this job usually entails.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The style of proof that the LLMs came up with was particularly surprising, Abouzaid says.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
14 Feb. 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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Each year, startling rises in defense spending seem nearer, but do not bring change.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Nevils shares startling data to support these expert testimonies.—
Hillary Kelly,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In a stunning reversal, the Justice Department on Thursday filed a motion seeking to drop criminal charges against the two Venezuelan men.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Portland’s Damian Lillard joined Bird and Craig Hodges (1990-92) as the only three-time winners with a stunning exhibition in the final round, ending up with a score of 29 — two better than runner-up and 2018 champion Devin Booker of Phoenix.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Virgo August 23 – September 22 Change doesn’t have to be shocking right now (even though today’s aspects involve Uranus).—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
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Certain connections could use a rebalance during this alignment of stubborn Venus and shocking Uranus across your connection zone and your business sector.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Mirabilis, being Latin for astonishing.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
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But from the jaws of defeat, Team USA pulled off an astonishing Olympic comeback, sending the players leaving Italy with gold medals swinging around their necks.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flabbergasting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flabbergasting. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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