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
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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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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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Within three minutes, with Inter having taken a shock early lead, Yamal began attempting to prise their defence apart.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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Chimney’s fellow first responders stare in silent shock as Athena loudly berates him in the firehouse for interfering in the process, dressing him down with the same booming resonance she’s used on countless criminals.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Her admiration for the next generation of women came to the fore recently, when Crow performed at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for an all-star network special celebrating Ringo Starr’s new country album.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2025
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This pick doesn’t feel like a home run, despite the internet draft community’s admiration.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Maroon has always been a fan favorite, so the loud reaction Sunday was no surprise, especially when Maroon grabbed his beer and chugged it.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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The moon meeting Uranus can bring some surprise news out of the blue.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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During his latest mission, his third long-duration on the International Space Station, Pettit brought his brand of wonderment to the assignment.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
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The point is to preserve the sense of wonderment that children have.—
Farah Nayeri,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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