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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of astonishment
The Apple engineers’ eyes bulged in astonishment.
—
Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
To his astonishment — and culinary indignation — the screen returned an absolute void.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Lane Hunter vented his astonishment on TikTok that AC might not be turned on in his apartment building until early or mid-May.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2026
Olivia Miles makes the types of nifty passes that can leave fans gasping in astonishment.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
To his astonishment — and culinary indignation — the screen returned an absolute void.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Lane Hunter vented his astonishment on TikTok that AC might not be turned on in his apartment building until early or mid-May.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2026
Olivia Miles makes the types of nifty passes that can leave fans gasping in astonishment.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
-
Two years later — to my complete amazement — that idea has become a movement.—
Blake Crisses,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2026
-
To Nico’s amazement, the mysterious house where Gela lives with her faithful dog is actually full of secrets.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Though conditions are more acute in Myanmar due to the civil war, experts warn the chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz could also dent rice production across the region – with potentially huge shocks for food security.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
16 May 2026
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The balloon emits electrical shocks that help break up the calcium and allow the stent to open wider.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Bell and Ford earned admiration for their entrepreneurial acumen and foresight.—
Olivier Sylvain,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
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Bennahmias has long been vocal about his admiration for Swatch and has publicly praised the MoonSwatch for making high-end watchmaking feel accessible and fun.—
Clara Ludmir,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Hosted by Shania Twain, the award show delivered on emotional moments, fun surprises and plenty of performances.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
-
Kenan Thompson turned a teacher tribute into the room’s sweetest surprise.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Noun
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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.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
10 Apr. 2026
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Find wonderment in sharing a sunrise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park or sunset from Olmstead Point in Yosemite National Park.—
Bing Pan,
The Conversation,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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