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View synonyms for stunning

stunning

[ stuhn-ing ]

adjective

  1. causing, capable of causing, or liable to cause astonishment, bewilderment, or a loss of consciousness or strength:

    a stunning blow.

    Synonyms: astounding, numbing

  2. of striking beauty or excellence:

    What a stunning dress you're wearing!



stunning

/ ˈstʌnɪŋ /

adjective

  1. informal.
    very attractive, impressive, astonishing, etc
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˈstunningly, adverb
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Other Words From

  • stunning·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of stunning1

First recorded in 1660–70; stun + -ing 2
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Example Sentences

The England captain came in after Phil Salt was dismissed from the first ball of the tourists' chase and proceeded to hit eight fours and six sixes in a stunning knock.

From BBC

The stunning toll of the Mountain fire became clear Thursday: Officials said 132 homes were lost and 88 damaged, making one of the most destructive fires in the region in several years.

In the finger-pointing that naturally follows a stunning loss, a handful of Democratic officials and operatives are putting the blame squarely on Joe Biden.

From Salon

And it was only in April that Coventry were denied a place in the FA Cup final by Manchester United on penalties after a stunning turnaround from 3-0 down by Robins' side.

From BBC

Max Verstappen climbed up from 17th to claim a stunning victory at a heavily rain-affected Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as he took what seems to be a decisive grip on the drivers' championship.

From BBC

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More About Stunning

What does stunning mean?

Stunning essentially means something or someone causes such a huge impact that you are stunned from pain or a wave of emotion.

Stunning can describe something or someone that literally causes physical pain, as in The kickboxer suffered a stunning blow to her face. 

Stunning is also used figuratively to describe something or someone that overwhelms you emotionally or has the potential to overwhelm you emotionally, as in The acrobats performed a stunning routine of flips and cartwheels. 

Finally, stunning can also describe something or someone that is especially beautiful or marvelous, as in The actress wore a stunning dress to the red carpet. You might also use dazzling or gorgeous.

Example: In a stunning act of arrogance, the dictator built a solid gold statue of himself and placed it in the city square. 

Where does stunning come from?

The first records of stunning come from around 1660. It combines the word stun, meaning “to daze, astonish, or overwhelm” and the suffix -ing. If something is stunning, then it is going to stun a person in one way or another.

Stunning refers to things, actions, or people that are so overwhelming that you have to pause for a moment. Stunning is used both positively and negatively.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to stunning?

  • stunningly (adverb)

What are some synonyms for stunning?

What are some words that share a root or word element with stunning

What are some words that often get used in discussing stunning?

How is stunning used in real life?

Stunning is a common word that people use to attempt to describe things, events, or people that have overwhelmed them.

Try using stunning!

Which of the following words is a synonym of stunning?

A. boring
B. amazing
C. terrible
D. good

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