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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Example Sentences
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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
-
Bare feet on grass, and astonishment at my little apple tree.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
31 July 2025
-
In an era of deepfakes and algorithmic sleight-of-hand, authentic astonishment is more valuable than ever.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
That recruitment story, the one people repeat with amazement today, is now written into Charlotte’s soul.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
Woo’s mother, Hilary, entered the conversation with pure amazement.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
This, in turn, has rendered the EU vulnerable to shocks from powers ideologically and strategically opposed to the West.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Kirsh’s shock of white hair and dry, sardonic air give Olyphant refreshing distance from the upright lawmen he’s known for.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
No surprise for a superstar that has always known when – and what – to show.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
-
For travelers accustomed to having access to the best of everything, mystery travel offers something rarer still: a complete surprise.—
Ashley Kennedy,
Robb Report,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stupefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefaction. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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