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
The case stunned Georgia and drew national attention, with investigators uncovering a conspiracy involving several men hired to carry out the attack.
—
Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
Robert Phillips, the executive of the Northwest Hills Council of Government, said local officials were stunned by the announcement.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2026
The argument left Marks stunned.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026
Even some of the best teams in the world don’t always have an answer for an enterprising forward who runs fearlessly at goal, as evidenced by his crucial equalising strikes as Japan stunned Germany and Spain in Qatar.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stun
Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
Robert Phillips, the executive of the Northwest Hills Council of Government, said local officials were stunned by the announcement.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2026
The argument left Marks stunned.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026
Even some of the best teams in the world don’t always have an answer for an enterprising forward who runs fearlessly at goal, as evidenced by his crucial equalising strikes as Japan stunned Germany and Spain in Qatar.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stun
Verb
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Eleven, the show’s telekinetic heroine, who grew up in a lab, became dazed by the number of clothing options at the Gap.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
26 Dec. 2025
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Fairview came out throwing haymakers, dazing the Bruins in the early going.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
23 Nov. 2025
Verb
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This natural sculpting resulted in stunning sandstone formations that amaze visitors who flock to the site, which is free and open to the public year-round.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
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Melissa's rapid intensification and high winds and atypical hurricane behavior amazed even some of the more experienced scientists who study tropical cyclones, thanks in part to its journey over some exceptionally warm waters in the Caribbean.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Chávez was also 14 when he was shot and paralyzed during a robbery by gang members.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
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Tanker traffic has ground to a near halt, 20% of global supply has been paralyzed, and the old-world energy order has been shaken.—
Siddharth Misra,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Critics were further surprised by the comment given Chalamet’s own connection to the dance world.—
Fleurine Tideman,
Glamour,
9 Mar. 2026
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As the manager of the bridge — and the first woman to oversee it in 200 years — Evans gets up close and personal to it on a daily basis, and is constantly surprised by the technical details.—
Julia Buckley,
CNN Money,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That's what happened through the huge swings that rocked Wall Street last week.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
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European natural gas prices jumped as the war in the Middle East continues to rock energy markets and disrupt shipments of seaborne supplies.—
Priscila Azevedo Rocha,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And then, in a move that shocked many, Moreno came out to present … best picture.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
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Sudden fluctuations in temperature, drafts, and exposure to heat sources can shock the plant and cause the leaves to drop.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The mobile margarita bar in an an old VW van was an Instagram hit - and served a pretty perfect cocktail.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
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The Big 12 player of the year hit the game-winner from the right side — while also falling to his right with the Cyclones’ Killyan Toure closely guarding.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Prosecutors allege Joshua Alvarado, 30, passed out at the wheel of his pickup truck while driving to work and was startled awake by other drivers honking at him.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
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In the early hours of Sunday morning, as a bar in a busy nightlife district of Austin, Texas, prepared to close for the night, patrons and staff were startled by the sound of gunshots.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stun. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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