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

In late September, the aspens covering the summit turn from green to amber gold, transforming the mountainside into an astonishing display of autumn color. — Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

An astonishing cast—Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand, and Ben Whishaw among them—guides us through this moral quagmire as opinions diverge wildly and no easy answers are offered. — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Over the centuries, mathematicians, political scientists, and reformers have devised an astonishing variety of voting systems in hopes of breaking Condorcet’s impasse. — Alex Stone, Quanta Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026

The results are initially astonishing, but the treatment comes with side effects whenever Hagen succumbs to negative thoughts and emotions. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of astonish

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for astonishing

• admonishing