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
So ended the second bout of last night’s UFC 250, the extravaganza of squirting blood and patriotic kitsch that took place—to the stupefaction of all, including a giddy Joe Rogan—on the South Lawn of the White House.
—
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
And stupefaction of the far right.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Does freeing oneself from stupefaction involve confronting a terrifying reality, or abandoning it?
—Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 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
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
And stupefaction of the far right.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Does freeing oneself from stupefaction involve confronting a terrifying reality, or abandoning it?
—Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 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 the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Much to Bear’s astonishment, the wish comes true, but with unintended consequences as Nikki dangerously obsesses over him and resorts to deadly measures to prove her love for him.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
-
Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
At one point, Humphrey said the shock and grief of it all became too much.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
-
In addition to its style, it’s also made with practical features like shock-absorbing cushioning and a durable, grippy outsole that can handle everyday wear.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stupefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefaction. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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