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
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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
-
But for me the story of Shakur’s jailbreak was not just a piece of radical political history but a surprising revelation about my own family.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The bigger adventures will come, but sometimes the most surprising inspiration arrives on an ordinary street corner in your own city.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 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
-
What’s startling is how quickly yesterday’s propaganda has morphed into a neutral statement on American policy.—
Quico Toro,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Now his name is trending again, his lawsuit against his parents a startling revelation.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The exhibition pairs their work together, showing the value of shocking style in a moment of conservatism.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Pastor Stephen Perumalla said the circumstances are shocking.—
Tony Aiello,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The lobby is separated into small, lounge-like spaces, including a reception desk that’s tucked away in an alcove under a stunning sculpture of falling dandelions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Owls beat Tennessee in the Sweet 16 three years ago as part of a stunning run to the Final Four.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Readers who approach this dense but astonishing book will laugh at how superficial that query seems in contrast to the mysteries of the universe.—
Bethanne Patrick,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Between those bookends lies an astonishing range of human activity scratched onto broken pottery.—
Ryan Brennan
April 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stupefying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefying. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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