1
as in surprise
something that makes a strong impression because it is so unexpected
As expected, the box-office champ was another superhero actioner, but the real stunner was the second-place finish for the low-budget comedy.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in queen
an attractive woman
Not only is she smart, she's a real stunner.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of stunner
Two outdoor pools surrounded by lounge chairs offer plenty of room to relax, but the Lowcountry stunner is best known for its five golf courses and private learning center, all open for guests to enjoy.
—
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
The stunner is the first glimpse of Musgraves’ new album Middle of Nowhere, out May 1 via Lost Highway Records.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2026
Colorado was without Artturi Lehkonen and Kadri, whom the Avs added in a deadline-day stunner from the Calgary Flames.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
They’re still overmatched in terms of star power, but 2026 is Canada’s best shot yet at getting out of the group stage and delivering a stunner in the late rounds.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunner
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
The stunner is the first glimpse of Musgraves’ new album Middle of Nowhere, out May 1 via Lost Highway Records.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2026
Colorado was without Artturi Lehkonen and Kadri, whom the Avs added in a deadline-day stunner from the Calgary Flames.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
They’re still overmatched in terms of star power, but 2026 is Canada’s best shot yet at getting out of the group stage and delivering a stunner in the late rounds.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunner
Noun
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The event that had precipitated this change was the 1973 Yom Kippur War, a surprise assault on Israel launched by Arab forces on the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Within days, China’s surprise intervention in the deal quickly shattered that hope, as Beijing stepped up efforts to discourage Chinese AI founders from moving their businesses offshore.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Why these deposits exist might remain unknown; however, the Melsonby deposits showcase power and wealth, according to LBV, which might even be linked to a famous female queen of Rome, Queen Cartimandua, who ruled Brigantes in the 50s and 60s AD.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Mar. 2026
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The wooden board is fabricated from curly maple and the knights, pawns, bishops and queens — all positioned as if a game has begun — are made of ceramics.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The prospect of a cooling economy alongside high inflation, touched off by an oil shock, has many analysts comparing the current period to the 1970s.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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More consumer price inflation, more lower-income stress Atsi Sheth, chief credit officer at Moody’s Ratings, said this is only the most recent shock for a petrochemical industry that has seen several in recent years, from Covid to Ukraine to the Red Sea issues and now the Strait of Hormuz.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In Greek mythology, the goddess Panacea carried a potion that could heal any disease.—
Ariana Eunjung Cha,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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Freya, a critical character in the God of War franchise, is a Vanir goddess and princess who practices powerful, ancient magic.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But less attention was given to other bombshells dropped about vaccines that day.—
Patricia Callahan,
ProPublica,
19 Mar. 2026
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You might not have been born with the blonde bombshell’s voluminous curls, but this innovation will get you one step closer to acing the look.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Jude and the cinematographer Marius Panduru shot the film on an iPhone, and the nimbleness and range of their outdoor setups summon forth images of a crisp, unshowy beauty.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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The final episode looks at the science and savvy behind South Korea’s beauty industry and how the country came to set the agenda for cosmetics consumers around the world.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the face of this uncertainty, companies and other organizations are preparing for a world in which the conflict — and subsequent jolt to crude prices — becomes a long-term challenge, affecting everything from travel planning to mail delivery.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
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Then, as the pandemic waned, in 2023 and early ’24, came two jolts to the system – federal pandemic-era assistance ended, pulling food and food-related funding away from charities, and the number of people seeking food continued to grow.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This weekend, fans will also get an eyeful during the NBA All-Star Weekend.—
Contessa Brewer,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
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The View producer Brian Teta got an eyeful — as did viewers at home — when three cohosts motioned toward their privates during a discussion about childbirth.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stunner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunner. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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