Thesaurus results for DUMBFOUND

Q: How does the verb 'dumbfound' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dumbfound are bewilder , confound , distract , nonplus , perplex , and puzzle . While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound . // was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Q: In what contexts can 'bewilder' take the place of 'dumbfound'?

In some situations, the words bewilder and dumbfound are roughly equivalent. However, bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking. // a bewildering number of possibilities

Q: When is it sensible to use 'confound' instead of 'dumbfound'?

While the synonyms confound and dumbfound are close in meaning, confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement. // the tragic news confounded us all

Q: When would 'distract' be a good substitute for 'dumbfound'?

The meanings of distract and dumbfound largely overlap; however, distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests. // distracted by personal problems

Q: When could 'nonplus' be used to replace 'dumbfound'?

The words nonplus and dumbfound are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible. // the remark left us utterly nonplussed

Q: Where would 'perplex' be a reasonable alternative to 'dumbfound'?

Although the words perplex and dumbfound have much in common, perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision. // a behavior that perplexed her friends

Q: When might 'puzzle' be a better fit than 'dumbfound'?

The synonyms puzzle and dumbfound are sometimes interchangeable, but puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve. // the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

dumbfound

verb

ˌdəm-ˈfau̇nd

variants also dumfound

Definition of dumbfound

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the surprise ending will dumbfound even the most seasoned mystery reader

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb dumbfound differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dumbfound are bewilder, confound, distract, nonplus, perplex, and puzzle. While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

In what contexts can bewilder take the place of dumbfound?

In some situations, the words bewilder and dumbfound are roughly equivalent. However, bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

When is it sensible to use confound instead of dumbfound?

While the synonyms confound and dumbfound are close in meaning, confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

When would distract be a good substitute for dumbfound?

The meanings of distract and dumbfound largely overlap; however, distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

When could nonplus be used to replace dumbfound?

The words nonplus and dumbfound are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

Where would perplex be a reasonable alternative to dumbfound?

Although the words perplex and dumbfound have much in common, perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

When might puzzle be a better fit than dumbfound?

The synonyms puzzle and dumbfound are sometimes interchangeable, but puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

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 dumbfound Employers are dumbfounded by the state’s restrictiveness. — Brendan Hellweg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026 James Hotchkiss / Reuters Carlos Rodriguez, outside in his robe, was dumbfounded by this show of brute force. — Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026 The president’s vehement reaction and over-the-top attacks left some Republican senators dumbfounded. — Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026 Warren herself is dumbfounded by the bizarre case of mistaken identity. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dumbfound

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfound

Verb

His greatness is never in question, but to have the league at a standstill because of a 41-year-old free agent amazes me.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Just before halftime, van Persie slipped past the Spanish defensive line to receive a long-range pass from teammate Daley Blind and looped the ball over Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a first-time diving header that amazed the audience.

— Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

Definition of amaze

Verb

The result surprised the team because semiconductor materials are generally highly sensitive to impurities.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
If Dern gets on top of Robertson, though, the fight could be over, and a submission for Dern wouldn’t surprise me.

— Brett Appley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

So when the couple decided to add an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, next to their home in Northeast Los Angeles, the price tag stunned them.

— Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
On May 19, the United Kingdom—and the rest of the world—was stunned to hear the news of King Charles's death.

— Blanche Marcel, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of stun

Verb

Trump was astonished to see Cohn’s name in the tabloids several times a week.

— Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Having walked through factory floors, presented in boardrooms across five continents and coached leaders through every wave of disruption automation could throw at them, I am astonished at how fast AI adoption is currently escalating.

— Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of astonish

Verb

Preconceptions, assumptions, and advance knowledge in the viewing public are regarded as impediments to the capacity of the tale to surprise, startle, or transport.

— Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
Sometimes workers would be startled by the sight of a machine moving by itself and realize it was being controlled by someone in Turkey.

— Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of startle

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dumbed down

dumbfound

dumbfounded

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“Dumbfound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfound. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dumbfound

verb

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