The US public was dumbfounded when the stock market crashed on October 29, 1929.
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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!
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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.
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.
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.
noun
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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impact -
The force or action of one object hitting another.
The impact of the car crash was so strong that it damaged both vehicles.
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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.
