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What other words can be used instead of what on earth?

Here are some alternatives to "what on earth" depending on the context and desired tone:

For surprise:

* Good heavens!

* Goodness gracious!

* My word!

* Oh my goodness!

* For goodness sake!

* Heavens to Betsy!

* In the world?

* On earth?

* Under the sun?

For confusion:

* What in the world?

* What the heck?

* What's going on?

* How in the...?

* I don't understand.

* I'm baffled.

* I'm at a loss for words.

For annoyance:

* What the...?

* For crying out loud!

* Are you kidding me?

* Seriously?

* You've got to be joking!

* Don't be ridiculous!

For disbelief:

* You can't be serious!

* No way!

* I don't believe it!

* You're pulling my leg!

More formal:

* Why ever?

* How extraordinary!

* How peculiar!

* How curious!

For emphasizing a question:

* What exactly...?

* What precisely...?

* What on account of...?

The best alternative will depend on the specific situation and your desired tone.

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