astonished 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈstä-nisht How to pronounce astonished (audio)
Definition of astonishednext
1
as in amazed
affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise was astonished at seeing a cow wandering down Main Street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wondering
filled with amazement or wonder grandparents astonished at how much their grandchildren had grown in the past year

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

astonished

2 of 2

verb

past tense of astonish
as in surprised
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the news that you and she broke up absolutely astonishes me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of astonished
Adjective
Meanwhile, The Pitt only has two wins so far, but Shawn Hatosy wins most astonished speech. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025 One that draws more approving thumbs-ups, creates more astonished grins, or pulls more phones from pockets for impromptu photographs and video—especially in stunning Verde Ermes metallic paint. — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Verb
They’d be astonished, delighted. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 Organizers had been expecting a cozy little affair, but were astonished when more than 1,300 people from around the world signed up to participate. — David MacK, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonished
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonished
  1. amazed
  2. surprised
  3. stunned
  4. shocked
  5. bewildered
  6. startled
  7. horrified
Adjective
  • Once the excitement was over, Elvia Malcolm started looking through the photos on her phone and was amazed to see that some clear action shots of the chase.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Once the excitement was over, Elvia Malcolm started looking through the photos on her phone and was amazed to see some clear action shots of the chase.
    — Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of amazed
Adjective
  • As Chicago and the rest of the nation get ready to celebrate the country turning the big 250, some might be surprised to learn that the country’s alcohol tax is almost just as old.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • The Operating System Of The American Economy Most Americans are surprised to learn that the federal government has identified sixteen Critical Infrastructure Sectors that collectively support nearly every aspect of daily life.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of surprised
Verb
  • The against-all-odds survival narrative stunned even veteran first responders.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • In it, Gomez stunned in a sleeveless lace dress with a halter neck and a long mesh veil.
    — Michael Nied, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Definition of stunned
Adjective
  • No one is more shocked by this turn of events than KC, who takes his place among the safe Islanders with his mouth hanging open.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • In a stunning two-minute span in the first half, Bellingham struck twice, leaving Mexico's defense completely shell-shocked.
    — Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of shocked
Adjective
  • Away from the bewildered rancher calling out in surprise, away from the Appaloosa.
    — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
  • Massachusetts State Police ushered thousands of bewildered attendees into the tunnel.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of bewildered
Verb
  • Pochettino’s sources of American sports culture inspiration There were some aspects of American culture, and specifically American sports culture, that clearly startled Pochettino.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Today Twain would be startled by the passivity of a once-mighty Congress that has all but crumbled in the face of pressure from the White House.
    — Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of startled
Adjective
  • The first police officer on the scene quickly ran back to the station for help, while neighbors calmed the horrified Lizzie.
    — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 June 2026
  • As a horrified Sam inadvertently observes, a creature has been sating itself on his buddy’s brain.
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of horrified

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Cite this Entry

“Astonished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonished. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on astonished

Nglish: Translation of astonished for Spanish Speakers

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