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

Other Word Forms

• stunningly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of stunning¹

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

Example Sentences

Beloved by fans for his gregarious nature and light-hearted approach, Zoeller was plunged into controversy in 1997 as 21-year-old rising star Woods was marching to a stunning victory in the Masters.

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The impressive five-story abode, which is in the exclusive Pier Homes at the Harborview community, sits at the end of a pier and provides stunning views across the harbor.

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This autumn, the Dodgers clinched the division series on a night of a singular, stunning meltdown.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And at one point in the City of Light, Spurs were eyeing a stunning triumph until darkness fell on their hopes with a 5-3 defeat.

Read more on BBC

The primary bedroom is adorned in carpet flooring and has a stunning, wooden walk-in closet that is fit for a star.

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Related Words

• brilliant 
• dazzling 
• devastating 
• gorgeous 
• great 
• impressive 
• lovely 
• ravishing 
• remarkable 
• sensational 
• smashing 
• spectacular 
• striking 
• wonderful 

When To Use

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.