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 viewing sessions got more serious after Cicero told his friends he went to a trivia night and was stumped by a question on the license plate on Jerry’s Saab convertible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 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

To borrow a phrase from Ronald Reagan as he stumped for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 presidential race, now is “a time for choosing.”

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2026

A thirty-something father of two, he badly wanted this job, but he had barely passed his other exams, and first aid had stumped him.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover