Words of Positivity
Browse the A to Z index4,633 ENTRIES

Stunning

adj.joyful, energeticeveryday

What it means

Extremely impressive or beautiful.

Reach for it when expressing that beauty, skill, or a result creates immediate and powerful admiration

The restored mosaic looked stunning in the sunlight.

Choose between these

7
  • playful

    showstopping

    when glamour or performance demands everyone's attention

    not when Theatrical language can cheapen a solemn or natural subject.

  • everyday

    gorgeous

    when rich visual beauty is the simple focus

    not when Gorgeous does not fit data, arguments, or achievements naturally.

  • warm

    breathtaking

    when awe briefly stops ordinary reaction

    not when A clever technical result can be stunning without being breathtaking.

  • professional

    striking

    when a strong visual contrast commands notice

    not when Striking can be neutral and does not guarantee admiration.

  • formal

    astonishing

    when the unexpected scale of a result is central

    not when A familiar view can still be stunning without surprising anyone.

  • literary

    dazzling

    when brilliance or virtuosity almost overwhelms

    not when Stunning beauty can be dark, quiet, or matte rather than dazzling.

  • literary

    exquisite

    when fine detail and delicacy create exceptional beauty

    not when Large-scale force or dramatic impact is not necessarily exquisite.

Said against

3
  • ugly
  • unimpressive
  • drab

It naturally appears in

3
  • stunning view

    The upper trail revealed a stunning view of the green valley.

  • stunning performance

    Her stunning performance brought the audience to its feet.

  • stunning result

    The restoration produced a stunning result from badly damaged plaster.

Where this comes from

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.