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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Examples 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 stupefaction 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 The state doesn't have to identify the specific substance that caused stupefaction, according to Gerol. Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupefaction
Noun
  • The world will still exceed my comprehension and astonishment by orders of magnitude.
    Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
  • What ensues is a series of astonishments—a flexing of muscles not often associated with our too-sedate conceptions of Iranian auteur cinema.
    Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The four words were first spoken here on a bright spring afternoon at Camelback Ranch, my astonished syllables joining similar tones of amazement floating from every corner of a crowded press box.
    Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Belichick showed up to the amazement of his squad dressed in a full pirate outfit with his then-wife Debby Clarke Belichick.
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Social media is awash in lists of reads from last month, last week, last year, driven by the same shock of recognition that there’s plenty new under the sun.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Dec. 2024
  • But, after the initial shock of those first few weeks, thoughts turned from survival to bringing Asheville back to its once-thriving state.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Moreno had at least one bash: at a dinner in London with fellow theater stars Patrick Wilson, Audra McDonald, Daniel Dae Kim and Aaron Tveit, who were all across the pond to sing at The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert, which featured Moreno as a surprise performer.
    Eric Andersson, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
  • This isn't the first X-rated surprise to spring up on social media in the lead-up to Christmas.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near stupefaction

Cite this Entry

“Stupefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefaction. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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