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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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 stupefaction Rogan, wearing his persona as a babe-in-the-woods naif, listened to this nonsense in slack-jawed stupefaction. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupefaction
Noun
  • Garcia's clip has been viewed over a million times and over a thousand TikTok users have commented with a mix of astonishment and worry for her.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The image was born after her September 2024 presidential debate against Trump, where Harris peered at her opponent with a look of astonishment.
    Raven Maragh-Lloyd, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Much to the amazement of the local populace, the eggs kept popping out—until it was discovered that the owner was writing the words and reinserting the eggs into the hapless hen’s cloaca.
    Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
  • There's no shortage of amazement — and amusement — every time the Chiefs take the field, especially in January.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In Bull Connor’s case, film coverage of his fire-hose and police-dog attacks was broadcast on TV, triggering shock and fury in Washington and elsewhere, and ultimately leading to passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
    David Mcgrath, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
  • After kicking her feet in a circle to try to get the remains to move, the woman gasps and raises her hand to her mouth in shock.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The news comes as no surprise, following the show’s highly successful winter return, which saw record-breaking viewership numbers.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The 34-year-old Uncut Gems actress has revealed that her current New York home came with a surprise: a benevolent spirit named Beauty, who has taken up residence in the basement.
    EW.com, EW.com, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near stupefaction

Cite this Entry

“Stupefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupefaction. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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