stun

verb

ˈstən How to pronounce stun (audio)
Definition of stunnext
1
as in to daze
to make senseless or dizzy by a blow a powerful uppercut to the jaw stunned the boxer and sent him crashing to the canvas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to amaze
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the news of their boss's termination stunned the staff

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 stun But then Karen turned up something that stunned her, in the 1800s, Sharswood had been the seat of a major, 1,300 acre plantation. — Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 6 Sep. 2026 Amal Clooney stunned in a red gown, as did Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, fresh off delivering a master class on the Lido, went from table to table chatting with guests as dinner was served. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 5 Sep. 2026 Deion Sanders and the Buffs stunned Georgia Tech in Thursday night's opener, 14-13, thanks to a late touchdown and blocked field goal in the waning seconds. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The news stunned Hollywood insiders who know and who have worked with Thornton, who generally has a positive reputation as a TV announcer and as a reporter. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stun
  1. daze
  2. amaze
  3. paralyze
  4. surprise
  5. rock
  6. shock
  7. hit
  8. startle
Verb
  • Despite looking dazed, Guerrero scampered home to tie the game at 1-1.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • When the Knicks won, Berns was dazed.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
Definition of daze
Verb
  • But of the many falsehoods told by them, there was one which quite amazed me.
    — Agnes Callard, The New York Review of Books, 18 Aug. 2026
  • His greatness is never in question, but to have the league at a standstill because of a 41-year-old free agent amazes me.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of amaze
Verb
  • She is paralyzed from the waist down after a suicide attempt following killing her children.
    — Carmel Wroth, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Clancy, who was left paralyzed by a suicide attempt that followed the killings, was brought forward in her wheelchair to listen.
    — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of paralyze
Verb
  • This isn’t meant to be a traditional evaluation so much as a look at which teams surprised us.
    — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Every March and September, this event attracts spectators from all over to Apache Junction, eager to witness this breathtaking moment when nature surprises us.
    — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of surprise
Verb
  • Unfortunately, however, the warmth and love of the old pub-rocking 101’ers has been traded for a new aggression and belligerence.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2026
  • On the streets of New York, Zoey Deutch expertly pulled off a purple cardigan with red pants, while Dua Lipa rocked a head-to-toe Ferragamo ensemble at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, wearing a purple dress with red mules and an east-west bag.
    — Elise Fabre, Glamour, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of rock
Verb
  • After the sentencing, Lee's wife, Elizabeth Tang, told reporters there is no freedom of speech in Hong Kong and that the sentences would shock and anger many people.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Yemen’s government was shocked by slow Saudi response The Houthis have been attacking Saudi shipping on the Red Sea since declaring a blockade in July, as well as hitting oil infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia.
    — Fatma Khaled, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of shock
Verb
  • If the Sabres can find some more success with the man advantage, Thompson shouldn’t have much trouble hitting the 40-goal mark again.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Japan's 10-year government bond yield recently breached 3%, hitting a high not seen in roughly 30 years.
    — , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • Her characters appears to startle Jeanie in one photo, clad in a chic black and gold ensemble.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The unpredictable motion scares them off, startling them and throwing them off balance.
    — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of startle

Browse Nearby Words

stumpy
stun
stung
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Cite this Entry

“Stun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stun. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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