STUNNING Synonyms: 314 Similar and Opposite Words

stunning 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstə-niŋ

Definition of stunning

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wonderful

causing wonder or astonishment the stunning beauty of the star-filled sky on a cloudless night

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in beautiful

very pleasing to look at how stunning the performers look in their costumes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stunning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of stun

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

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as in surprising

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the news of their boss's termination stunned the staff

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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

Adjective

For the third-act interrogation scene of Longlegs, the horror-mystery’s occult obsessed serial killer (played by Nicolas Cage in heavy prosthetic makeup) punctuates his free-associative jailhouse ramblings with a stunning act of self-annihilation. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 That stunning upset victory for the Illini in Champaign was orchestrated by true freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II, who could potentially be Konkey’s quarterback next season. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Verb

Footage of the fight shared online showed Williams punching Colón in the back of the head in the seventh round, apparently stunning him. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Margaret deploys this power to find Daniel and to free him from Noah and the WARDEX minions—essentially, by stunning them emotionally. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stunning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunning

Adjective

The group of girls are just truly amazing and really fight for each other.

— Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
He was voted unanimously for all of his amazing contributions.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of amazing

Adjective

An itinerary of hikes, wine tastings, and a sunset cruise offering incredible views of the Santa Barbara coastline is a wonderful way to end the day, while a cozy house with a garden will add to everyone’s enjoyment.

— Vogue, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
The improbable evening turned into a moving tribute to both Capra himself and his tale of the suicidal banker George Bailey, who comes to realize that his life has indeed been wonderful.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Michael Kamen did this beautiful piece for the biggest battle of the movie, which was really low-key and very sad and drawn out, almost like slow motion, and put against the action.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
The beautiful thing concerned an eighty-seven-year-old problem, the Jacobian conjecture.

— Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of beautiful

Verb

After years of buying and selling horses, Casse knows the business will keep surprising him.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
Still, there are layers to how the 24-year-old has carried himself in the big leagues since surprising his way onto the Oilers roster.

— Janson Duench, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of surprising

Adjective

Then an astonishing road upset of Texas that suggested Florida had finally turned the corner.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2026
As a result, as the elements of Jurek’s towering and astonishing crimes begin to click together, the plot quickly shifts, leading the narrative into entirely different and ever more haunting directions.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of astonishing

Adjective

Montserrat Collection Residence Set within a 1930s French-style building, this lovely home features contemporary Argentine art and mid-century design.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
But Mi-ok is game to be interviewed, and her words spring to life in wistfully lovely flashbacks.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

stunners

stunning

stunningly

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Style

“Stunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunning. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of stunning

adjective

verb

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