1
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
gave us the astonishing news she was getting married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amazing
causing wonder or astonishment
an astonishing view of the Grand Canyon that few tourists get to see
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stunning
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
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Recent Examples of astonishing
Caryn Rose, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Last month Pop Mart reported an astonishing near 400% increase in profits for the first half of the year.
—Haicen Yang, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
The scale of investment is astonishing.
—Maya Cakmak, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2025
The gains have been astonishing.
—Fred Imbert,nick Wells, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
Springsteen’s appearance at the symposium hadn’t been guaranteed, but his active, open participation on the panels was delightful and a little astonishing.
—Caryn Rose, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Last month Pop Mart reported an astonishing near 400% increase in profits for the first half of the year.
—Haicen Yang, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
The scale of investment is astonishing.
—Maya Cakmak, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2025
The gains have been astonishing.
—Fred Imbert,nick Wells, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
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According to Joy Gelbman, MD, a cardiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, these results aren’t necessarily surprising.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
9 Sep. 2025
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After my long flight home, I was relieved that the late-night visitor turned out to be nothing more than city workers on the job (and their job in this case, while surprising, didn't turn out to be too destructive).—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This fall brings a mix of amazing films.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
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That alone is amazing, said Timbrook, Depue and a representative for the soft body armor vest that stopped a bullet from piercing the officer’s chest.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Now a 23-year-old rookie in the WNBA, the financial transition was startling; five years ago, Bueckers didn’t even have a bank account.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
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Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill faced startling accusations from his estranged wife Keeta Vaccaro amid their divorce proceedings in Florida court.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The first season concludes with patriarch Horace Bellaire marrying Kimmie from his hospital bed, leaving her his inheritance and shocking his spoiled heirs.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The gruesome killing has quickly become a cause célèbre for the administration, who for months have been pointing to shocking crimes as proof that cities with Democratic leaders have allowed criminals to run amok.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The hybrid Amelanchier x grandiflora tends to be the most readily available at garden centers and certainly makes a stunning specimen.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
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Both celebrations provided that and more, including stunning outfit changes, ethereal decor, and a robot at the reception.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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Stargazing is a wonderful pursuit that appeals to both the casual and dedicated observer, but views outside of cities are often much clearer and brighter thanks to different levels of light pollution.—
Harry Bennett,
Space.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Bradley McCroskey caught a miraculous 26-yard touchdown pass on the final play of regulation, then Temi Ericson raced nearly untouched for a 25-yard TD in overtime to give the Indians a 34-28 victory.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Sep. 2025
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Every bite elicits wonder, provoking a quiet moment of gratitude for this lush, miraculous habitat.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Harry brought his trademark humor and warmth to the awards, a ceremony honoring seriously ill children who have shown incredible courage, joking and making smiles all around.—
Erin Hill,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Thanks to incredible works like Parasite and Squid Game, Korean content has made huge achievements on the world stage.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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