1
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
gave us the astonishing news she was getting married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amazing
causing wonder or astonishment
an astonishing view of the Grand Canyon that few tourists get to see
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stunning
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the news that you and she broke up absolutely astonishes me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 astonishing
Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
The President is distrusted on the economy and has, per Fox News, a disapproval rating of an astonishing fifty-nine per cent.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Their ability to adapt to any weather condition is astonishing.
—New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
The administration has asked for an astonishing $200 billion to fund a war that the president also sporadically claims is over, giving legislators an unappetizing choice between funding a quagmire or else walking away and leaving a mess behind.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
This year’s Final Four is reportedly the most expensive on record, with an average ticket price of $706 — an astonishing 52% increase from last year’s $464 average.
—Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
The President is distrusted on the economy and has, per Fox News, a disapproval rating of an astonishing fifty-nine per cent.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Their ability to adapt to any weather condition is astonishing.
—New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
The administration has asked for an astonishing $200 billion to fund a war that the president also sporadically claims is over, giving legislators an unappetizing choice between funding a quagmire or else walking away and leaving a mess behind.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
-
Close to Rocky Mountain National Park, this all-inclusive guest ranch has everything from classic ranch activities like trail rides to surprising options such as a ropes course and zip line.—
Julie Bielenberg,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The breakout at the plate isn’t all that surprising.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
On the other hand, your own feelings (pleasant or otherwise) could inspire amazing artwork.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Crew has an amazing sight in store Four days later during the lunar flyby, the moon will appear to be the size of a basketball held at arm’s length.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite being debunked time and time again, a startling proportion of the public still hold onto these claims.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
1 Apr. 2026
-
There's a startling new plastic surgery trend.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But that is the context of a wonderful performance.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
And serialization is a glorious, wonderful thing that happens automatically to a show that people love.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Continue reading … CRUSHED DREAMS — Tiger Woods was 'hoping to' play in Masters before shocking DUI arrest, bodycam footage shows.—
,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Having two daughters diagnosed with breast cancer is shocking enough; now there was a third.—
Jessica Keller,
Glamour,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Leonardsen lives on the second floor of a concrete-and-glass building along the harbor, which has stunning views of the sea.—
Eric Klinenberg,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Today, The Retreat is known for its ultra-luxe accommodations, amenities such as afternoon tea, and stunning location.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The cast’s sole survivor is Jessica Hecht, who pours miraculous warmth and complexity into her faintly insulting role as Colleen, the head teller, a morally upright spinster goosed by her flirtation with Sonny and the spotlight.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
-
CFCs seemed miraculous, and post-war consumers fell in love with them.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
What the staff and workers have done in this span of time has been incredible.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
As pontiff, Leo wields incredible power and influence — but in truth, the message isn’t new.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
