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
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Recent Examples of stunning
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
Although visually stunning, Saturday was quite windy with gusts that toppled some trees.
—Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
This inexpensive seasonal spread is full of color and uses a variety of in-season vegetables to create a delicious and stunning platter that will shine on your table.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Geena Davis is absolutely stunning at the 1991 Academy Awards in a semi-sheer golden brocade gown.
—Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Adjective
Archaeologists have only just begun, moving forward on an exciting new footing now that excavations can resume at an underexplored hub that may hold even more treasures and stunning insights about Greek Libya.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
Although visually stunning, Saturday was quite windy with gusts that toppled some trees.
—Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
This inexpensive seasonal spread is full of color and uses a variety of in-season vegetables to create a delicious and stunning platter that will shine on your table.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Geena Davis is absolutely stunning at the 1991 Academy Awards in a semi-sheer golden brocade gown.
—Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunning
Adjective
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From the very beginning, she was determined and had this amazing self-belief.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The flip side • Kudos to Courtney and Ewan for doing an amazing job of leading two buses of very excited first-graders through the Orlando Wetlands on a field trip!—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Coast Guard is a huge piece of this puzzle, and to be able to see the Coast Guard come to realization is wonderful.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Something wonderful could drop into your lap in mid-June.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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While beautiful at first, once all of the Instagram pictures were taken, the open-air space started to get old for me.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
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Buchanan also loved meeting the big-name architects the group brought to Dallas — who in turn seemed to naturally gravitate to the down-to-earth Dallasite with the warm demeanor and beautiful smile.—
Trevor Bach,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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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Since Vic and Christine didn’t get an international getaway, TurboTax is surprising them with a honeymoon (and handling their first joint tax return while they’re gone, of course).—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
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Coastal Mississippi is constantly surprising us, but one of its most delightful surprises is the fact that some of its beaches have white sand that rivals even Florida’s top spots.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Drowning remains the second leading cause of unintentional death for kids ages 5-14, with a startling 28% rise in fatalities in 2022 compared to 2019, according to the CDC.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
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About 30 minutes into the flight, passengers said flight attendants began running up and down the aisle appearing agitated before making a startling announcement.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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And 17 teams were consistent losers, led by the Raiders, who failed at an astonishing nine of 10 hires.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
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Sharpshooter Chris Ashby led the way for Queens, scoring 34 points and hitting an astonishing 10 3-pointers, many of them in transition when Queens attacked the Central Arkansas trap.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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My lovely new neighbors have a son my daughter’s age.—
Heather Grossmann,
Parents,
11 Mar. 2026
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Orange juice, ginger ale, and pineapple juice make up a lovely treat for after the egg hunt.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunning. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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