as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the stupefying figures for poverty and starvation in some parts of the reputedly rich country
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
stupefied by the ruling that he could not compete because he missed the qualifying age by two days
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stupefying
Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026
And because only days before the February 2021 surgery Mahomes had scrambled a stupefying 497 yards behind the line of scrimmage before throwing the ball or being sacked in a 31-9 drubbing by Tampa Bay in Super Bowl LV.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026
The Miami Hurricanes are at home, while the entire state of Indiana – save for some in West Lafayette – is content to abandon their homes to enjoy this unexpectedly stupefying playoff march.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Dark times shade even darker, and yet through it all, in ways both uplifting and stupefying, life goes on.
—Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
The popularity Nirvana gained at stupefying speed and unmanageable proportions in 1991 is impossible to replicate in the culture and music industry of 2025.
—Chris R. Morgan, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
As attractive as the idea has been, various analog AI schemes have not delivered in a way that could really take a bite out of AI’s stupefying energy appetite.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2025
Verb
How will his writing team metabolize the stupefying scene at this year’s BAFTAs into his routine?
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026
And because only days before the February 2021 surgery Mahomes had scrambled a stupefying 497 yards behind the line of scrimmage before throwing the ball or being sacked in a 31-9 drubbing by Tampa Bay in Super Bowl LV.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026
The Miami Hurricanes are at home, while the entire state of Indiana – save for some in West Lafayette – is content to abandon their homes to enjoy this unexpectedly stupefying playoff march.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Dark times shade even darker, and yet through it all, in ways both uplifting and stupefying, life goes on.
—Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
The popularity Nirvana gained at stupefying speed and unmanageable proportions in 1991 is impossible to replicate in the culture and music industry of 2025.
—Chris R. Morgan, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
As attractive as the idea has been, various analog AI schemes have not delivered in a way that could really take a bite out of AI’s stupefying energy appetite.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupefying
Adjective
-
While Survivor has plenty of surprising rules for contestants, socks are a small creature comfort that’s allowed.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
-
This charming town on Lake Michigan has emerged as a surprising luxury hotspot, with 53 percent of listings now surpassing $1 million.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This choice makes those images that do stand in for Sasha’s line of sight all the more startling and forceful.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Those startling stats mark a stunning reversal from the post-pandemic boom.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in Kristoffer Borgli’s rug-pull rom-com, which follows a soon-to-be-married couple whose relationship implodes after a shocking revelation.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The series abruptly concluded with Lois' shocking pregnancy news and Malcolm just starting his freshman year at Harvard.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Not only were the tiara’s diamonds hewn into the 11 stones on Elizabeth II’s engagement ring, but they were also used to create the stunning wedding bracelet Philip gave his bride-to-be ahead of their ceremony.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
12 Apr. 2026
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Fonseca also had goalkeeper Dominik Greif to thank for a stunning point-blank save against striker Bamba Dieng in first-half stoppage time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Everyone was understandably rattled, but no one was hurt in the mayhem, a frankly astonishing outcome for the alleged perpetrator.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Then family connections got him that astonishing first job at the heart of the Defense Ministry.—
Michael Sheridan,
Vanity Fair,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stupefying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefying. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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