1
as in amazing
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
we suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of the bottom-ranked team in the division
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wonderful
causing wonder or astonishment
the stunning beauty of the star-filled sky on a cloudless night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in beautiful
very pleasing to look at
how stunning the performers look in their costumes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in dazing
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
2
as in surprising
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 stunning
Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2026
The stunning colonial is at the end of a cul-de-sac in one of Avon’s most desirable neighborhoods.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
Well the Mustangs got that break in the form of a misplay by Frisco Wakeland resulting in a goal by sophomore Paola Granados, giving Grapevine a stunning 1-0 win on Friday in a Class 5A Division 2 state semifinal at the Ford Center.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
This holographic look has an opalescent sheen that's simply stunning.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Adjective
We were all struck by Joanna’s visually stunning arrangement of the Peeps and marshmallows.
—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2026
The stunning colonial is at the end of a cul-de-sac in one of Avon’s most desirable neighborhoods.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
Well the Mustangs got that break in the form of a misplay by Frisco Wakeland resulting in a goal by sophomore Paola Granados, giving Grapevine a stunning 1-0 win on Friday in a Class 5A Division 2 state semifinal at the Ford Center.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
This holographic look has an opalescent sheen that's simply stunning.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunning
Adjective
-
On the other hand, your own feelings (pleasant or otherwise) could inspire amazing artwork.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Crew has an amazing sight in store Four days later during the lunar flyby, the moon will appear to be the size of a basketball held at arm’s length.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The teams got invaluable data — and some wonderful video too.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Books Are Magic, a wonderful bookshop owned by novelist Emma Staub, alone could suck up an entire morning.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Inn stays shut during winter and ‘pack ice’ season, which some locals will tell you is the most beautiful time of all—for snowmobiling and snowshoeing through the Island’s interior by day, and come evening, getting invited into someone's warm shed for a tipple and a chat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
So much of what Diaspora is doing is making sure that the farmers’ spices are getting to you in a beautiful, fresh state.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fairview came out throwing haymakers, dazing the Bruins in the early going.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
23 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Across social media, videos show pups reacting to everything from fake treats and disappearing acts to harmless tricks like surprising them on walks outside, leaving them confused, curious and hilariously offended.—
Kendall Malinchock,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Zara has been surprising them from the very beginning.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite being debunked time and time again, a startling proportion of the public still hold onto these claims.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
1 Apr. 2026
-
There's a startling new plastic surgery trend.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Readers who approach this dense but astonishing book will laugh at how superficial that query seems in contrast to the mysteries of the universe.—
Bethanne Patrick,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Between those bookends lies an astonishing range of human activity scratched onto broken pottery.—
Ryan Brennan
April 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Of course, all of the discourse is taking place on the lovely, totally non-toxic place that is the internet.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
1 Apr. 2026
-
And your answers were so lovely.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunning. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
