1
as in amazement
the rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary
the Midwesterner's astonishment at seeing the ocean for the first time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shock
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual
the suddenness of the thunderstorm left the picnickers in a state of astonishment
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of astonishment
Meanwhile, Marino continued to grapple with his astonishment over White's filming schedule.
—
Ashley Hume, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2025
After seven episodes of pained teeth-gritting and wide-eyed astonishment, he’s found closure in confronting the man who killed his father (or not) and finding only a weak old guy too sickly to punch.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Curiosity and astonishment: these have been recurring themes in Quenda’s journey to this point.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
The 33rd annual Cushing’s Crossing happens on Saturday, May 3rd, and spectating is free — and highly recommended for belly laughs and general astonishment.
—Kim Westerman, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Ashley Hume, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2025
After seven episodes of pained teeth-gritting and wide-eyed astonishment, he’s found closure in confronting the man who killed his father (or not) and finding only a weak old guy too sickly to punch.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Curiosity and astonishment: these have been recurring themes in Quenda’s journey to this point.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
The 33rd annual Cushing’s Crossing happens on Saturday, May 3rd, and spectating is free — and highly recommended for belly laughs and general astonishment.
—Kim Westerman, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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Though their time in space was short, all six stepped away from the experience feeling a serene sense of awe and humble amazement.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Fishburne, 63, says in amazement when seeing the photo, which showed his father wearing glasses and a black suit.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Officers evacuated students from classrooms, as students walked away in shock.—
Graham Hurley, Aaron Fisher and Katherine Jennings,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2025
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Julian arrives at the bank as Olympia is standing in the vault, looking at the papers in shock.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In some ways, this is a good metaphor for the experience of Ramsey, of whom their co-star speaks with particular admiration.—
Fernanda Pérez Sánchez,
Vogue,
16 Apr. 2025
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The product sold out within hours—prompting admiration, side-eyes, and curiosity in equal measure.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The moon meeting Uranus can bring some surprise news out of the blue.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
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Putin on Saturday claimed his country’s forces have recaptured Kursk, the border region where Ukraine launched a surprise offensive last year, though Kyiv insists its troops are fiercely battling to preserve their foothold in the territory.—
Helen Regan and Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Abi is a special-needs child, and McConnell wanted to capture her wonderment at the world in a song.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2025
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Jon, meanwhile, holes up in his squalid quarters surrounded by takeout containers and dirty clothes while hooked onto a cheap-looking VR game that hardly inspires the wonderment in us it’s supposed to in him.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
14 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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