astonishing

1 of 2

adjective

as·​ton·​ish·​ing ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ 

: causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder : surprising

an astonishing discovery

astonishingly

ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ-lē 

adverb

astonishing

2 of 2

present participle of astonish

Synonyms of astonishing

Adjective

• surprising
• startling
• amazing
• stunning
• shocking

Examples of astonishing in a Sentence

Adjective

He showed an astonishing lack of concern for others.

The truck can hold an astonishing amount of stuff.

She gave an astonishing performance in her first film.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The hybrid setup produces an astonishing 1,800 hp and helps the car reach a top speed of 277 mph—though its speedometer goes to 550 kph (or 341 mph). — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026

And, though the Democrats have made astonishing breakthroughs, their near-term future is a little cloudy, too. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2026

Collins lexicographers monitor an astonishing 27 billion words annually. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026

The astonishing blue wave also means the United States will likely have its first-ever Black speaker of the House. — Arkansas Online, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of astonish

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for astonishing

• admonishing