1
as in amazing
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
we suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of the bottom-ranked team in the division
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wonderful
causing wonder or astonishment
the stunning beauty of the star-filled sky on a cloudless night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in beautiful
very pleasing to look at
how stunning the performers look in their costumes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in dazing
to make senseless or dizzy by a blow
a powerful uppercut to the jaw stunned the boxer and sent him crashing to the canvas
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in astonishing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the news of their boss's termination stunned the staff
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 stunning
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
The stunning trick made people want to teach their animals to do the same in case of an emergency.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Thousands gather to witness the 180,000 lights illuminate the district in a stunning display.
—Monty Davis, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
Mazatlán is part of the Mexican Riviera, with stunning beaches, booming tourism, and rich cultural heritage.
—Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Adjective
In the early hours of March 14, people in the Americas experienced a stunning total lunar eclipse.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
The stunning trick made people want to teach their animals to do the same in case of an emergency.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Thousands gather to witness the 180,000 lights illuminate the district in a stunning display.
—Monty Davis, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
Mazatlán is part of the Mexican Riviera, with stunning beaches, booming tourism, and rich cultural heritage.
—Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stunning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunning
Adjective
-
There were so many amazing accessories, shoes and soft accessories on the runways this season.—
Sandra Salibian,
WWD,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Even just having a small role in a movie like that is amazing.—
Brian Davids,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Flores was a wonderful mother and grandmother, Love said.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2025
-
It is skillfully constructed and builds to a wonderful climax.—
Georg Szalai,
The Hollywood Reporter,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Here are some of the most beautiful tulip festivals to catch across the globe as well as how tulips came to have cultural significance in each destination.—
Kaitlyn McInnis,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
The melodies are all up there with the most beautiful melodies ever made.—
Nicholas Ducassi,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
So when Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love finishes a 24-yard scramble by puffing his chest and taunting Jarrett, the response is far from surprising.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Now, astronomers have zeroed in on the surprising origin of the unusual radio pulses: a dead star, called a white dwarf, that is closely orbiting a small, cool red dwarf star.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The two of them together at the arcade is just lovely.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Plants produce lovely blue flowers (or white in some varieties) that attract pollinators and other beneficial insects.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Their level of music knowledge at Bandcamp is startling and insanely impressive.—
Steve Baltin,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The freeze frame at the end faded to a startling shade of (blood!) red.—
Zoe G. Phillips,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
An astonishing, loopy and very true World War II story about Great Britain tricking Germany into believing false invasion plans has been the source material for non-fiction books and movies dramas.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2025
-
This was a 90% increase over the 9.9 million viewers who tuned in for the 2023 final and an astonishing 288% jump from 2022.—
Jenn Nelson,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The lightweight top features light embroidery around the neckline that adds gorgeous texture, and ruffles around the sleeves are a subtle detail that elevates the shirt to the next level.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Zegler radiates light and beauty in Powell’s gorgeous reworking of the iconic blue and yellow gown that just about every 5-year-old girl in the Western world has dragged through the dirt.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunning. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share