stunning

USAGE SUMMARY

'stunning' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express admiration and describe something as very attractive or beautiful. For example; "The sunset that night was simply stunning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's stunning.

The New York Times

Delicate cous cous, fragrant with toasted almonds and confit lemons, sits in a clean white bowl into which is placed lobster tails and stunning shellfish bisque.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Salmond's stunning victory in May 2011 had made a referendum inevitable, but its details were yet to be determined.

The Guardian

State is back in the Sweet 16, attacking one of the top teams in the nation for 40 minutes and stunning Villanova 71-68 on Saturday night.

The Guardian - Sport

There is no traffic on the island so the best way to explore the stunning Byzantine monasteries and Greek Orthodox churches is by bike or horse-drawn carriage.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a tough hike and you need a map and compass but the rewards are stunning: views across shimmering waters to the isles of Rhum, Eigg and Skye, where the entire Cuillin ridge stands tall.

The Guardian - Travel

Words cannot convey the scale of a view that is so stunning it is felt.

The Guardian - Books

The judges said the, "consistent deliveries of stunning photography, in-depth analysis and respected columnists has become the hallmark across all the Guardian's media platforms".

The Guardian

Not so much an apartment as a stunning private house.

The Guardian - Travel

Viewers with a Google connected TV will have access, straight from their Google homepage, to the Guardian's award-winning journalism, stunning picture galleries and rich multimedia content in a format especially adapted for TV.

The Guardian

There've been plenty of stunning strikes and silky skills, but our highlight came from the tournament's oldest player – DR Congo's Robert Kidiaba – with his very particular form of celebrating: If you've been at the tournament or watching from home we want to know who your rooting for in the final: the Black Stars or Les Éléphants?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stunning" to describe something that is exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or surprising. It's effective in conveying a strong positive reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "stunning" to describe everyday or ordinary things. Reserve it for situations where the impact is genuinely remarkable to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stunning" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or surprising. Ludwig AI supports this analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Travel

22%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Books

4%

Lifestyle

4%

Film

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stunning" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or surprising. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile for expressing strong positive reactions. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Travel, and Sport contexts. While highly effective, avoid overuse in mundane situations. Alternatives include "breathtaking" and "remarkable", offering similar yet distinct nuances. Remember to use "stunning" when something truly merits such strong admiration to maintain its impact on the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breathtaking

Emphasizes the beauty or impressiveness that takes your breath away.

remarkable

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy aspect of something.

extraordinary

Implies something beyond the ordinary, often unexpectedly so.

astonishing

Suggests a great surprise or amazement.

impressive

Conveys a sense of admiration due to scale, quality, or skill.

sensational

Focuses on causing great excitement or interest.

awe-inspiring

Highlights the feeling of reverence and wonder something creates.

spectacular

Emphasizes the visually impressive and dramatic nature of something.

gorgeous

Primarily focuses on visual beauty and attractiveness.

exquisite

Emphasizes the delicate and refined beauty or craftsmanship.

FAQs

How can I use "stunning" in a sentence?

You can use "stunning" to describe something exceptionally beautiful or impressive. For instance, "The bride looked stunning in her wedding dress" or "The view from the mountaintop was truly stunning".

What are some synonyms for "stunning"?

Alternatives for "stunning" include "breathtaking", "remarkable", or "impressive", each offering a slightly different nuance to convey admiration or awe.

Is it appropriate to use "stunning" in formal writing?

Yes, "stunning" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing something truly exceptional. However, consider the context and audience; in some cases, a more subdued adjective might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "stunning" and "amazing"?

"Stunning" typically refers to something visually impressive or beautiful, while "amazing" is a broader term that can describe anything causing great surprise or wonder. A sunset might be "stunning", while an unexpected discovery might be "amazing".