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.
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.
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.
adjective
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flabbergasted -
To be surprised, amazed, or shocked very unexpectedly
Lucille was flabbergasted when she arrived at her classroom Tuesday morning for another day of teaching, and her 4th grade students had made a surprise birthday party for her.
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.
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.
adjective
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appalled -
Filled with dismay or disgust, especially at something morally wrong.
We were appalled at the cost of the car repairs—it was far too high!
adjective
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dumbstruck -
So shocked or surprised as to be unable to speak.
When Bill heard on the phone that the storm had destroyed his summer house, he was dumbstruck, and didn't know how to respond.
adjective
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telltale -
Revealing or indicating something hidden or secret, showing the inner nature of something.
The telltale clouds of smoke hinted at a fire nearby.
adjective
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untimely -
Not happening at a useful or expected time.
The serious and untimely injury of the tennis star forced him to quit sports.
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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divulge -
To reveal something secret or private, to make known information that was previously hidden.
The company wouldn't divulge any details about the new product, and it would be top secret until it came out.
