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.
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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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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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.
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.
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.
noun
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mystery -
Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain, a person or thing that arouses curiosity or wonder because it is unknown or puzzling.
The cause of the strange noise in the attic remains a mystery.
adjective
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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.
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.
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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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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untimely -
Not happening at a useful or expected time.
The serious and untimely injury of the tennis star forced him to quit sports.
