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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

GG: There’s been a stunning amount of denial by the mainstream news and establishment, a kind of “it can’t happen here” American Exceptionalism that has left us unprepared every step of the way.

From Salon

India completed a stunning 295-run win over Australia in the first Test in Perth to continue their extraordinary run in the country.

From BBC

The scenery is stunning, the fun cheap and plentiful.

From BBC

There is little farmland in Guangxi’s unusual but stunning terrain, and its mountainous borders make trade with the rest of China and neighbouring Vietnam difficult.

From BBC

Like so many 19-year-olds, they were drawn to the romance of backpacking across South East Asia - where food is great, people are friendly and the scenery stunning.

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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