stupefying 1 of 2

adjective

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stupefying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of stupefy
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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupefying
Verb
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 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 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 Starting with a tone-setting marvel early, Room contorted and unfurled himself to 15 saves — including several other stupefying ones. — Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026 It’s been 25 years since Ulysse Nardin unveiled the Freak, with a stupefying seven-person parade a day before the 2001 Baselworld fair. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupefying
  1. surprising
  2. amazing
  3. startling
  4. stunning
  5. shocking
  6. astonishing
Adjective
  • Against that backdrop, some say the ships are offering a surprising sense of connection.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • In many ways, the strong turnout for the World Cup isn't all that surprising.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 1 July 2026
Definition of surprising
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
Definition of amazing
Adjective
  • The practical effect, according to Fred Vogler, who has been the Bowl’s principal sound designer since 2003, is startling.
    — Dave Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Oddly drawn to disconnect, horror fans crave novel experiences that feel both startling and strangely familiar.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026
Definition of startling
Verb
  • Margaret deploys this power to find Daniel and to free him from Noah and the WARDEX minions—essentially, by stunning them emotionally.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026
Definition of stunning
Adjective
  • Cape Verde began this run by making a statement, producing a shocking 0-0 draw against soccer powerhouse Spain on June 15 in its first-ever World Cup match.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • The Packers then blew a 21-3 halftime lead in the Wild Card round against Chicago, gave up 25 fourth quarter points and eventually suffered a shocking 31-27 loss to the arch-rival Bears.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of shocking
Verb
  • Nordstrom has really sweet jewelry pieces at not-astonishing price points.
    — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of astonishing

Browse Nearby Words

stupefy
stupefying
stupendous
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Cite this Entry

“Stupefying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefying. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stupefying

Nglish: Translation of stupefying for Spanish Speakers

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