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
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Recent Examples of stun
Jefferson, Madison, and their evangelical supporters would be stunned.
—
Time, 10 July 2025
Trump’s ability to leverage legal adversity into political strength has stunned political analysts, showcasing his unparalleled capacity to frame himself simultaneously as a political outsider, victim, and fighter — a narrative deeply appealing to his base.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
The backup dancers stunned in outfits that shimmered with the same power and enchantment as their moves onstage.
—Bryanna Symone, Essence, 7 July 2025
Fifty years have now passed since Ashe stunned Connors in four sets to become the first – and to this day only – Black man to win the Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles title, and the significance of his 1975 achievement only continues to grow with each passing edition of the championships.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stun
Time, 10 July 2025
Trump’s ability to leverage legal adversity into political strength has stunned political analysts, showcasing his unparalleled capacity to frame himself simultaneously as a political outsider, victim, and fighter — a narrative deeply appealing to his base.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
The backup dancers stunned in outfits that shimmered with the same power and enchantment as their moves onstage.
—Bryanna Symone, Essence, 7 July 2025
Fifty years have now passed since Ashe stunned Connors in four sets to become the first – and to this day only – Black man to win the Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles title, and the significance of his 1975 achievement only continues to grow with each passing edition of the championships.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stun
Verb
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Retton, who was nabbed on a DUI charge on May 17 in Marion County, W.Va., appears dazed, distressed and disheveled throughout the lengthy clip, released by Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
9 July 2025
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The video, which features Peng battling with strong winds and then looking dazed and frostbitten above the clouds, was first posted on Chinese video-sharing App Douyin, the country’s version of TikTok.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
30 May 2025
Verb
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This creator, in the true sense of the word, adds a touch here and there, drapes or lets fall the folds of a cape or a huge collar, borrows from all the epochs of fashion and interprets them all, and in the sum total, never fails to amaze us with his exquisite audacity.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
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The Teton Range, covered in powder, amazes as far as the eye can see.—
DeMarco Williams,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Verb
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The widespread arrests have paralyzed parts of the city where high numbers of immigrants work, such as the Flower District downtown.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
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The toe-biter’s venom first paralyzes its prey and then dissolves its insides.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Frantic runs burst through the music, while the last movement surprises with its sudden force.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025
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However, this didn't happen, leaving county officials, including Comptroller Liz Sumner, surprised and prompting her to order an audit of the governance and oversight structure of MCTS.—
Sophia Tiedge,
jsonline.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Human rights groups have called for restraint among police officers as waves of protests have rocked Kenya in recent weeks.—
Nicholas Komu,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
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But Alcaraz collected the next four points by forcing mistakes by Fritz to finish off the win, then rocked back on his heels, spread his arms wide and screamed.—
Howard Fendrich,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Dangerous enough to raise the stakes, but not too gruesome to shock young viewers.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
5 July 2025
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More than a year after a 19-year-old college student's murder shocked Milwaukee and prompted waves of outcry, the man accused of killing her is finally on trial.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
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While hitting 350 homers is a feat in itself, Judge reached the mark more quickly than former slugger Mark McGwire.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
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The Padres took a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a one-out single, moved to third on a single by Luis Arraez and scored on a sacrifice fly by Machado.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Your trash schedule might not be top of mind this Independence Day between going to fireworks displays, making a last-minute run to the grocery store or getting startled by loud booms.—
Eleanor Nash
July 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2025
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According to a crash report, a cicada flew into the driver's window, startling the driver.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stun. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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