stumped

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The actor stars in a solo off-Broadway show by David Cale about a playwright stumped by the blank page who finds a surprising, unsettling source of inspiration in the form of a stalker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

In 2024, she revealed that, after she’d spent more than $70,000 on treatments, doctors were still stumped by what could be causing her facial disfigurement, though some suggested it could be because of a parasite.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

The thorny issue of what to do with Russian assets has not only stumped Western leaders but also officials in Berlin who are saddled with three crumbling buildings belonging to Moscow.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

Another major plus point is the riches on offer, with a record prize pot of £55m stumped up this year.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

We were both silent, stumped for a minute because yeah, Sandy June’s was definitely a special place, but was it . . . magical?

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith