Dumbfounding and Startling

Dumbfounding

Dumbfounding adjective - Causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness.
Usage example: the dumbfounding sight of the race car driver walking away from that horrific crash

Startling and dumbfounding are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Startling" instead an adjective "Dumbfounding".

Nearby Word: dumbfounded

Startling

Startling adjective - Causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness.
Usage example: the startling news that my sister will be having a baby

Dumbfounding and startling are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Dumbfounding" instead an adjective "Startling".

Nearby Words: startle, startled, startler
Cite this Source
Startling and Dumbfounding. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/dumbfounding/startling
Dumbfounding & Startling. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/dumbfounding/startling>.
Startling or Dumbfounding. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/dumbfounding/startling.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "dumbfounding" and "startling" have occurred on timeline