Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Extremely impressive or attractive: Used to describe something or someone that is remarkably beautiful, impressive, or excellent in appearance or effect.
   • Causing shock, bewilderment, or temporary incapacitation: Describes something that causes a powerful emotional or physical shock, often leading to surprise, confusion, or a dazed state.
   • Commanding attention; sensational: Describes something so remarkable or outstanding that it seizes and holds one's complete attention.

Usage Examples

• Describing beauty or impressiveness:
  • She wore a stunning dress to the gala.
  • The view from the mountaintop was absolutely stunning.
• Causing shock or bewilderment:
  • The news of his sudden resignation was stunning to the entire staff.
  • The boxer delivered a stunning punch that ended the match.
• Commanding attention; sensational:
  • The orchestra gave a stunning performance of the symphony.
  • The artist's latest exhibition is a stunning collection of modern art.

Advanced Usage

• "Stunningly" (Adverb): In a stunning manner.
  • She is stunningly beautiful.
  • The plan failed stunningly, contrary to all expectations.
• Used in formal and informal contexts to express a very high degree of quality or impact.
  • The report contains a stunning revelation about the company's finances. (Formal)
  • That goal was stunning! (Informal)

Variants and Related Words

• Stun (Verb): To shock or overwhelm someone, making them temporarily unable to react.
  • The loud noise stunned the audience into silence.
• Stunner (Noun, informal): A person or thing that is stunning.
  • She's a real stunner. (A very attractive person)
  • The final plot twist was a real stunner. (A shocking surprise)

Synonyms

• Breathtaking: So impressive it seems to take one's breath away.
• Astonishing: Extremely surprising or amazing.
• Sensational: Causing great public interest and excitement.
• Dazzling: Extremely bright, impressive, or skillful.
• Astounding: Shockingly impressive or surprising.

Antonyms

• Unimpressive: Not inspiring respect or admiration.
• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
• Dull: Lacking interest or excitement.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Stunning victory/defeat: A victory or defeat that is shocking in its scale or nature.
  • The underdog team pulled off a stunning victory against the champions.
• Stunning blow: Literally, a physical blow that renders someone unconscious; figuratively, a piece of news or an event that causes great shock.
  • The court's verdict was a stunning blow to the defendant's family.

Adjective

1. strikingly beautiful or attractive
   • quite stunning with large dark eyes and a beautiful high-bosomed figure
   • stunning photographs of Canada's wilderness areas
2. causing or capable of causing bewilderment or shock or insensibility
   • laid the poor fellow senseless with one stunning blow
   • a stunning detonation with volumes of black smoke
3. causing great astonishment and consternation
   • the strike came as a stunning protest against management
   • a stunning defeat
4. commanding attention
   • an arresting drawing of people turning into animals
   • a sensational concert--one never to be forgotten
   • a stunning performance