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 astonishing
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 stunning
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 June 2025
Of the previous 19, the last Game 7 in 2016 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors had countless subplots, numerous memorable moments and one stunning outcome.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 22 June 2025
The stunning action, which came sooner than even close observers anticipated and is without obvious precedent, embroiled the U.S., for better or worse, in the middle of the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Then, follow steep alleys up to Hvar’s medieval hilltop castle, looming high above the town below, for stunning views over the bay and Pakleni islands.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Adjective
Upon striking our atmosphere, these particles — or meteors — swiftly burn up, leaving stunning trails that can be easily visible to the naked eye.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 June 2025
Of the previous 19, the last Game 7 in 2016 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors had countless subplots, numerous memorable moments and one stunning outcome.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 22 June 2025
The stunning action, which came sooner than even close observers anticipated and is without obvious precedent, embroiled the U.S., for better or worse, in the middle of the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Then, follow steep alleys up to Hvar’s medieval hilltop castle, looming high above the town below, for stunning views over the bay and Pakleni islands.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunning
Adjective
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Looking for an amazing place to celebrate the Fourth of July?—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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And equally amazing is the fact that the brooch or pin that Duguid wears in it on his coat survives and [was previously] displayed next to the painting.—
Karin Wulf,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Colleagues, mentors and friends are wonderful sources of feedback.—
Kim Salem-Jackson,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Favorite collections: Dior, Willy Chavarria, Craig Green, Lemaire and Officine Générale Best show format: The glorious city of Paris and its surroundings were on wonderful display this show season.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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The beautiful game has all too often been marred by unsavory incidents of bigotry.—
Hannah Ryan,
CNN Money,
27 June 2025
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The job was to find a photographer or find a model, pack a trunk of clothes and flit off to St. Moritz for a week and take beautiful pictures and come back.—
A Martínez,
NPR,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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If living near a golf course seems scenic and relaxing, it may also be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a surprising new study that comes with some limitations.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2025
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This was a surprising finding that revealed that a sense of belonging — something HR traditionally considered unmeasurable — was actually one of the strongest precursors of retention.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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With so many lovely fruits at our fingertips, there’s no reason to trifle with making a trifle this summer.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
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The post goes on to include a lovely list of recommendations for both kids and adults looking to scratch a fantastical itch.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Here’s an even more startling data point: ChatGPT-4 successfully generated entirely new emotional intelligence tests that performed as well as versions that took researchers years to develop.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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But the most startling is that the team that pioneered the opener now leads the majors in starters’ innings pitched.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Furthermore, the fact the band hasn’t down-tuned or adjusted any of their songs for vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who still effortlessly sings each and every one of Iron Maiden’s songs is absolutely astonishing.—
Quentin Thane Singer,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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But an investigation resulted in an astonishing call from the other side of the world, which revealed that ‘The GPO Girl’ was, in fact, a 25-year-old Australian, who has created more than 100 false identities.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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These boots Adelheid is lacing are sort of…gorgeous?—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
23 June 2025
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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is like a symphony — a gorgeous classical concerto where an electric guitar occasionally cuts in to shred an off-putting, yet surprisingly sick riff.—
Hayes Madsen,
Rolling Stone,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunning. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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