anticlimax -
A situation where the outcome is much less dramatic than expected.
The final scene was such an anticlimax after all the suspense, that the audience was very disappointed.
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mystery -
Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain, a person or thing that arouses curiosity or wonder because it is unknown or puzzling.
The cause of the strange noise in the attic remains a mystery.
adjective
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incredulous -
(of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something
Even while the news interviewed him holding his giant check, Jake was still incredulous that he had won the lottery.
verb
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astonish -
To surprise or impress (someone) greatly
The audience was astonished by the amazing fireworks display at the end of the concert.
verb
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astound -
To cause others to be very surprised or shocked
The American public was astounded by the revelations about Watergate that were revealed by Woodward and Bernstein in the Washington Post.
noun
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discrepancy -
A difference between two things that are expected to be the same.
Her story had a major discrepancy that made the police suspicious.
adjective
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aghast -
Struck with shock, amazement, or horror
When the Stevens family returned home from their two week vacation, they were aghast to find that loads of stray cats were living in their house.
adjective
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unthinkable -
So out of the ordinary that it cannot be imagined as possible
When Genghis Khan was born in 1162, it was unthinkable that someone from his nomadic tribe could conquer most of the known world - but that is what he did.
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thunderbolt -
A sudden flash of lightning with a loud crash of thunder, or an unexpected and dramatic event or piece of news.
When the president's announced that he wasn't going to run for re-election, it came as an unexpected thunderbolt to the public.
noun
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impact -
The force or action of one object hitting another.
The impact of the car crash was so strong that it damaged both vehicles.
adjective
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dumbfounded -
So shocked that you cannot speak
The US public was dumbfounded when the stock market crashed on October 29, 1929.
verb
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startle -
To cause a person or animal to feel sudden shock or alarm
The speeding car startled Victor, and he had just enough time to jump out of the way.
