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adj Uncommon

stunned

stuhnd
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Stunned (adj) means Dazed, shocked, or momentarily unable to react. Example: “She sat in stunned silence after hearing the verdict.”

adj
1
Dazed, shocked, or momentarily unable to react.
"She was stunned by the unexpected news."
"She sat in stunned silence after hearing the verdict."
"He looked stunned when he opened the envelope."
"The crowd stood stunned as the final whistle blew."
"The blow to the head left him stunned."

How to use stunned

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn a daze from shock or surprise.

Common pairings
stunned silence visibly stunned left stunned
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Word forms

Comparative
more stunned
Superlative
most stunned
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She sat in _____ silence after hearing the verdict.

Etymology

Formed from stun and -ed.

dazed astounded flabbergasted shell-shocked speechless astonied stupid kayoed amazed astonished stupefied out

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for stunned

See all rhymes for stunned →

Frequently asked questions

What does “stunned” mean?
The word “stunned” means dazed, shocked, or momentarily unable to react. In plain terms, in a daze from shock or surprise.
How do you pronounce “stunned”?
“Stunned” is pronounced stuhnd (/stʌnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “stunned” in a sentence?
Here is “stunned” used in a sentence: “She sat in stunned silence after hearing the verdict.”
What part of speech is “stunned”?
“Stunned” is an adjective.
Is “stunned” a common word?
“Stunned” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between stunned and shocked?
Stunned describes being dazed or momentarily unable to react, often implying a brief loss of mental or physical composure, as after surprising or forceful news. Shocked can describe a similar reaction but often carries a stronger emphasis on emotional disturbance or disbelief. Stunned tends to emphasize the temporary inability to respond.
Can stunned describe a physical as well as an emotional state?
Yes, stunned can describe someone dazed by a physical blow, such as being stunned by a fall, as well as someone dazed by surprising news or events. Both uses share the sense of a temporary inability to think or act clearly.
What words typically follow stunned in a sentence?
Stunned is often followed by "by" or "into," as in "stunned by the news" or "stunned into silence." These constructions show the cause of the dazed reaction or its immediate effect.

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