as in to amaze
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the news that you and she broke up absolutely astonishes me
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of astonish
Joel Bernstein, Denver, N.C. I was astonished to read the June 30 letter (Proud of Trump) from Rob Berg, who compared Trump’s bombing of Iran with Barack Obama participating in an attack on Libya.
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Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025
That is why Nix's mind is what has Engram astonished.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
On Sunday afternoon, in a mad scramble that took place fewer than 20 minutes before the first pitch at Dodger Stadium, the Giants and Posey astonished the baseball industry.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Orwell’s publisher and friend of the couple, Fred Warburg, was astonished by Animal Farm.
—Anna Funder, Time, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonish
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025
That is why Nix's mind is what has Engram astonished.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
On Sunday afternoon, in a mad scramble that took place fewer than 20 minutes before the first pitch at Dodger Stadium, the Giants and Posey astonished the baseball industry.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Orwell’s publisher and friend of the couple, Fred Warburg, was astonished by Animal Farm.
—Anna Funder, Time, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonish
Verb
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DoorDash and Roblox make the list because there are always a couple of companies that amaze and can't be denied.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
4 Aug. 2025
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What amazed many is that Brooks — who has earned just one All-Defense nod (second team in 2023) — isn’t more respected as a defender, especially because of his versatility.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The scientists were surprised by how forceful human embryos are, especially compared to mouse embryos, which appear to lie passively as a womb envelopes them.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
15 Aug. 2025
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Indeed, Berkshire's disclosure surprised many market watchers: UnitedHealth has become the face of public dissatisfaction with the country's health care system, is currently facing an investigation into its Medicare billing practices and issued disappointing guidance last month.—
Josephine Rozzelle,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Ralph stunned guests by wearing an 80-foot-long shawl that flowed behind her, covering the 72 steps leading up to the museum.—
Sarah Title,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Though the 25-year-old spent Thursday preparing for a Triple-A game in Buffalo, Roden wasn’t stunned to learned he’d been traded.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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His mother, Melissa, was shocked that the animal attacked despite the large crowd of people.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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In October of 2023, Nascar first announced iRacing’s acquisition of the rights to the new video game title, shocking the world after Motorsport Games’ demise.—
Joseph Wolkin,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Also, when purchasing hiking gear to wear for gorilla trekking, buy only neutral colors—like army green, khaki, black, and tan — to avoid startling them and drawing extra attention to yourself.—
Claire Gallam,
Travel + Leisure,
23 July 2025
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However, the unexpected authenticity of the situation to her Memphis roots initially startled the artist.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonish. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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