Synonym Chooser

How does the verb astonish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astonish are amaze, astound, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

When is amaze a more appropriate choice than astonish?

While the synonyms amaze and astonish are close in meaning, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When is it sensible to use astound instead of astonish?

While in some cases nearly identical to astonish, astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

Where would flabbergast be a reasonable alternative to astonish?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and astonish are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

In what contexts can surprise take the place of astonish?

The meanings of surprise and astonish largely overlap; however, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of astonish The Wall Street veteran was astonished by the Chouinards’ sincere desire to part with their fortune. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025 The success of the event astonished everybody. George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 We cannot be astonished to see the Supreme Court rubber-stamp nearly every effort by the right to expand executive power—including undermining the legitimacy of the lower courts. Stacey Abrams, Time, 28 Aug. 2025 The film charts Stone’s tragic descent into severe drug addiction, sapping the creativity that had astonished the world. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for astonish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonish
Verb
  • At Taiwan’s National Palace Museum, a jade cabbage continues to amaze visitors with its striking resemblance to the real vegetable.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Personality-wise, Luca amazes me.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s the one that surprised him the most.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Pashkov wasn’t the only pro dancer surprised by the judges during dedication night.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Community left stunned, vigil created for victims Photos posted by WSAV on Facebook show a vigil outside of Willie's Bar and Grill to pay tribute to the victims.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Buffalo experienced their first loss in Week 5, as they were stunned by the New England Patriots with a final score of 23-20.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In their wake, many Americans are justifiably alarmed and shocked by the scale of government force.
    Josiah Bates, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Instead of pulling himself up, Red Hood shocks the hero with a hand buzzer and falls into the chemicals.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It’s designed for convenience and quiet operation, featuring a sleep mode that won't startle anyone.
    Christine Persaud, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Who jumped, startled, when Rey laughed nervously.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Astonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonish. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on astonish

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