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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Step through that doorway and visitors are greeted by Penryn Grill, a full-service restaurant that has become one of Placer County's most surprising dining destinations.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
-
That outcome would amount to a surprising end to what had been a rocket-ship campaign for the 42-year-old gadfly.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
6 June 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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These sprinklers detect motion and will squirt bursts of water, startling squirrels and chasing them out of your garden.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
-
One of the more startling nuggets the doc reveals concerns Paul Bateson, the former radiological technician convicted of Verrill’s murder.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
The bathroom was stunning—all white and glass—and as high tech as the bedroom, with a state-of-the-art toilet and electronic bidet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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Since then, Irby has continued to spotlight some of the sport’s most stunning plays and impressive stars, including former Arkansas slugger and current AUSL player Bri Ellis, while also engaging with players from stalwart programs in the comments.—
Molly Keshin,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Just one quick perusal of Corrin’s Instagram comments reveals shocking bigotry.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
31 May 2026
-
First responders performed chest compressions for five minutes before shocking her heart, which revived her.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The widespread opposition has turned into a rare bipartisan issue, with conservatives and liberals joining sides to an astonishing degree.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
4 June 2026
-
An astonishing 51 candidates have thrown their hats in the ring.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flabbergasting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flabbergasting. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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