as in astonishment
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual
upon hearing the unexpected news, she just sat there in total stupefaction
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Recent Examples of stupefaction
Does freeing oneself from stupefaction involve confronting a terrifying reality, or abandoning it?
—
Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
But perhaps indoctrination and stupefaction go hand in hand.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
At one point, the fear that squeezed my stomach tighter and tighter gave way to stupefaction.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Rogan, wearing his persona as a babe-in-the-woods naif, listened to this nonsense in slack-jawed stupefaction.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The depth of my stupefaction is at the center of a debate playing out on social media, prompted by what seemed to be a definitive ruling on the matter from ketchup giant Heinz.
—Emily Heil, Washington Post, 3 July 2023
So here’s a handy guide to stick it to your co-conversants and have their heads nodding at your bon mots in sublime stupefaction.
—Andy Kessler, WSJ, 13 June 2021
As usual, however, TIME's selection has stirred up disagreement/bemusement/stupefaction.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2010
Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
But perhaps indoctrination and stupefaction go hand in hand.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
At one point, the fear that squeezed my stomach tighter and tighter gave way to stupefaction.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Rogan, wearing his persona as a babe-in-the-woods naif, listened to this nonsense in slack-jawed stupefaction.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The depth of my stupefaction is at the center of a debate playing out on social media, prompted by what seemed to be a definitive ruling on the matter from ketchup giant Heinz.
—Emily Heil, Washington Post, 3 July 2023
So here’s a handy guide to stick it to your co-conversants and have their heads nodding at your bon mots in sublime stupefaction.
—Andy Kessler, WSJ, 13 June 2021
As usual, however, TIME's selection has stirred up disagreement/bemusement/stupefaction.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2010
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupefaction
Noun
-
To my astonishment, the classic poem became one of the most mind-expanding literary experiences of my life.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Williams played to an adoring crowd at Austin's Westwood Country Club in two matches at the ATX Open this past week and left players and fans alike in astonishment at her ability to still bang with some of the best young players in the game.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Fans and celebrities shared their amazement in a video shared by the show on Instagram.—
Ryan Brennan
March 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Vokietaitis even managed to draw a foul call on the opening tip, much to the amazement of Miller and his team.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Anyone in the East who shivered through this winter could be in for a shock at the outcome.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
-
While the first waves of shock and sadness rolled through the city, journalists, historians and public figures reached into the past to help make sense of this week's violence.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stupefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefaction. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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