DUMBFOUNDED Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

dumbfounded 1 of 2

adjective

variants also dumfounded

as in stunned

affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise dumbfounded by the realization that he had just won the grand prize in the multistate lottery

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in amazed

filled with amazement or wonder dumbfounded visitors to the Grand Canyon

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dumbfounded

2 of 2

verb

variants also dumfounded

past tense of dumbfound

as in surprised

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

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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 dumbfounded

Adjective

So to go in and to not just win, but to win in such a way that even production was dumbfounded. — Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Ron stops and stares ahead, dumbfounded, with a man’s shirt in his hand and blood running down his face. — Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Burke displayed a dumbfounded grin, then brought the stream to a close. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, what fascinates aspiring neurologist Makenzie Stovall is the idea that AI is trying to emulate the brain — an organ whose inner workings continue to leave researchers dumbfounded. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 O’Donnell’s dumbfounded silence at the impossible-to-grasp question speaks volumes. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 July 2026 She’s supposed to help only with menial tasks, but often ends up helping solve mysteries that leave the police dumbfounded. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026 In 40 years covering South Florida sports, very few things have left me dumbfounded. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 Lori listens in dumbfounded silence, keeping her eyes on the prize, and trying not to roll them when Julian makes a comment about the dearth of great women artists—the kind of remark that earned him a close brush with cancellation in the past. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026

Verb

The petition by the legal rights group — which will be appealed to a higher California court — left Laci’s mother dumbfounded and did little to shake her conviction that Peterson was guilty of the murders. — Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 Those unfamiliar with the story will also be dumbfounded by the catalog of mistakes that not only put Stagg behind bars for 14 months, but allowed the real killer to roam free (and kill again) for another two years. — Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 3 June 2026 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 Even though officials describe work release as a form of custody, the fact that Brom was getting a measure of freedom outraged and dumbfounded many legislators, law enforcement officials and members of the community with knowledge and memories of the horrific crime. — Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 29 Dec. 2025 But now that the project has been abruptly terminated, leaving veterans dumbfounded by the decision. — John Ramos, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfounded

Adjective

That changes when the Munsons arrive with their house guest, cousin Diana, whose good looks leave them stunned.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
Motorcycle gunmen opened fire on Gastélum as stunned viewers watched online.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of stunned

Verb

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

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
Still, with a novice head coach and a new lineup, the Suns surprised the pundits, finishing 45-37 and making the playoffs even for just a moment.

— Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of surprised

Adjective

But something fascinating was happening behind the scenes, coinciding with the disaster that had sent Olin overseas and left her bandmates, Augustin and Nathan Slone — located in New York City — shocked.

— Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Shell-shocked, Daemon appears ready to woozily charge into his final battle, death with his sword swinging.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of shocked

Adjective

Further stories illuminate emotional realities burrowed deep within enormously likeable characters, often moving the reader (or this reader anyway) to astonished tears.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
One that draws more approving thumbs-ups, creates more astonished grins, or pulls more phones from pockets for impromptu photographs and video—especially in stunning Verde Ermes metallic paint.

— Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

Definition of astonished

Verb

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of a super restful sleep cycle, whether you are startled by the neighbor’s dog or an unwanted text message.

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 17 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 startled

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“Dumbfounded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfounded. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dumbfounded

adjective

verb

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