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
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
As usual, however, TIME's selection has stirred up disagreement/bemusement/stupefaction.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2010
Glimpses of both are embedded inside her bracing work, along with a healthy dose of stupefaction and bewilderment.
—Christopher Knightart Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2022
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
The ‘Brexit’ series has only heightened this sense of entertainment and stupefaction.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 29 May 2021
Marsalis’s expression combines shock, dismay, amusement, stupefaction, and something like resignation.
—BostonGlobe.com, 1 Apr. 2021
The tourists, speaking in bad French, shake their heads in stupefaction.
—New York Times, 7 Feb. 2021
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
As usual, however, TIME's selection has stirred up disagreement/bemusement/stupefaction.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2010
Glimpses of both are embedded inside her bracing work, along with a healthy dose of stupefaction and bewilderment.
—Christopher Knightart Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2022
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
The ‘Brexit’ series has only heightened this sense of entertainment and stupefaction.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 29 May 2021
Marsalis’s expression combines shock, dismay, amusement, stupefaction, and something like resignation.
—BostonGlobe.com, 1 Apr. 2021
The tourists, speaking in bad French, shake their heads in stupefaction.
—New York Times, 7 Feb. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupefaction
Noun
-
This article aims to challenge this prevailing sense of astonishment.—
David Chauvet,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Mar. 2025
-
The accidental inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat detailing where bombs were going to fall in Yemen has managed to elicit bipartisan astonishment and criticism.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
To my amazement, the weight started falling off after the first few weeks.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 May 2025
-
To my amazement, within a few weeks, Elizabeth had gotten into the habit of asking nicely instead of nagging.—
Debby Waldman,
Parents,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Saudi Press Agency | Via Reuters The toppling of the Assad regime during a shock offensive by anti-Assad militia groups in December last year stunned the global community and brought about the prospect of a new beginning for the devastated country.—
Natasha Turak,
CNBC,
14 May 2025
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The woman, who according to the news outlet was five months pregnant, was treated for shock, while her partner’s face was covered in blood.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Noun
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His selection by the 133 cardinals in the two-day conclave to choose the late Pope Francis' successor came as a surprise to papal experts and onlookers, who did not expect an American to emerge victorious.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Outside of Italy, the idea that this wine deserves celebration may come as a surprise.—
Simon Willis,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stupefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefaction. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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