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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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
Reflecting on the news that Lawrence solved the mystery, Summer House star Jesse Solomon expressed total astonishment.
—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
The base had a movie theater and a shopping center, and the house, to his astonishment, had a basement.
—
Clint Smith,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, then 12, sitting just out of the camera’s view and watching in astonishment.
—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Walker embodies Alice’s anguish, anger, and astonishment without forgoing the messy nature of a character whose issues run deeper than a single relationship.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
The base had a movie theater and a shopping center, and the house, to his astonishment, had a basement.
—
Clint Smith,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, then 12, sitting just out of the camera’s view and watching in astonishment.
—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Walker embodies Alice’s anguish, anger, and astonishment without forgoing the messy nature of a character whose issues run deeper than a single relationship.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.
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Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.
Noun
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Season 3 of the series returned with a bloody episode and a skyrocketing death toll, which continues to rise, as the rival Targaryen factions clashed in the shock-and-awe-inspiring Battle of the Gullet.
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Rosenqvist’s departure was a bit of a shock, but Scott Dixon decision to leave Chip Ganassi Racing after 25 years with the team was of seismic proportions.
Noun
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That status benefits both Google’s internal AI efforts and helps win outside customers — a lucrative one-two punch that figures into Jim Cramer’s admiration for the stock.
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What hasn’t changed, though, is Bedford’s incredible proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, its admiration of history, or its walkability.
Noun
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Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
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High temperatures inside a car, even when no one is in it, can lead to some dangerous or messy surprises.
Noun
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And with the World Cup now running through July 19, these emotions of wonderment won’t go anywhere anytime soon.
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Those not buoyed by lottery luck must pay a premium to enjoy the green wonderment that awaits beyond Augusta National’s gates.
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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