filled with incredulity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with incredulity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of disbelief or astonishment in response to something surprising or hard to believe. Example: "When she heard the news, she was filled with incredulity, unable to comprehend what had just happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We were filled with incredulity".

Independent

"A rookie mistake from the greatest swimmer of all time," the male half of the team announced, his voice filled with incredulity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I am filled with admiration and incredulity for those who see it through".

Forbes

When parents discover their children are lying to them, they are usually filled with keen dismay, sometimes incredulity, puzzlement or anger, and underneath it all, always, in my experience, with sadness.

Huffington Post

Streets filled with sand.

The New York Times

Filled with emotion.

The New York Times

filled with NGM buffer.

Plosone

Then fill with air.

WikiHow

Others reacted with incredulity.

Independent

Clegg reacts with incredulity.

The Guardian

It was greeted with incredulity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with incredulity" to convey a strong sense of disbelief, especially when someone is confronted with information that seems impossible or highly unlikely.

Common error

Avoid using "filled with incredulity" when a milder emotion like surprise or confusion is more appropriate. This phrase should be reserved for situations where the disbelief is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with incredulity" functions as an adjective phrase describing the state of being overwhelmed by disbelief. It often modifies a noun representing a person or group of people, indicating their reaction to something surprising or unbelievable. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "filled with incredulity" effectively conveys a strong sense of disbelief, often in response to surprising or seemingly impossible information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and used in reputable sources, primarily within news and media contexts. While not the most common phrase, it provides a precise way to describe someone's reaction when faced with something truly unbelievable. When using this expression, ensure that the context warrants such a strong emotional response, differentiating it from milder feelings like surprise or simple confusion. Related alternatives include "overcome with disbelief" or "struck with astonishment" depending on the nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome with disbelief

Emphasizes the overwhelming sense of not believing something.

struck with astonishment

Highlights the sudden and intense surprise.

in a state of amazement

Focuses on the prolonged feeling of wonder.

dumbfounded by surprise

Indicates a state of being speechless due to unexpectedness.

aghast with disbelief

Conveys a sense of horror combined with incredulity.

reeling from the shock

Describes a state of being unsteady due to a surprising event.

taken aback by surprise

Highlights the unexpectedness of the situation.

stunned into silence

Emphasizes the inability to speak due to being overwhelmed.

speechless with wonder

Highlights the inability to speak due to amazement.

bewildered by the news

Focuses on the confusion and disorientation caused by the information.

FAQs

How can I use "filled with incredulity" in a sentence?

You can use "filled with incredulity" to describe someone's reaction to something unbelievable. For example, "The audience was "filled with incredulity" when the magician made the elephant disappear."

What are some alternatives to "filled with incredulity"?

Alternatives include "overcome with disbelief", "struck with astonishment", or "dumbfounded by surprise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "filled with incredulity" formal or informal?

"Filled with incredulity" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal writing.

What's the difference between "filled with incredulity" and "surprised"?

"Surprised" indicates a general feeling of astonishment, while "filled with incredulity" specifically implies disbelief. You are "surprised" by unexpected news, but "filled with incredulity" when that news seems impossible.