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
Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
The most astonishing thing about the stone walls, archways, and passages is the miracle of Incan engineering.
—Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
The original film’s astonishing underwater photography certainly contributes to its appeal, but the oddly human Gill-man is the real draw.
—Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
In Segeberg, the team captured 13 of these astonishing kills on camera.
—Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
Five years later, Dylan has been able to help an astonishing 102 patients around the country, from kids to retirees, who ranged in age from 15 to 77.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
The most astonishing thing about the stone walls, archways, and passages is the miracle of Incan engineering.
—Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
The original film’s astonishing underwater photography certainly contributes to its appeal, but the oddly human Gill-man is the real draw.
—Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
In Segeberg, the team captured 13 of these astonishing kills on camera.
—Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
-
There was a top 10 team that lost, but BYU was a 10-point underdog at Texas Tech, so the Red Raiders’ convincing win wasn’t technically all that surprising.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Instead, my friend and I were greeted by a mostly calm experience, which was surprising for a Friday night in South End.—
Evan Moore
November 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Antetokounmpo delivered one of the most amazing closeout performances of all-time.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
-
And the reach of Prime Video, especially globally, is really, really amazing.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
However, what was so startling about Gueye’s performance was the decision-making.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
His comment was startling to the rest of the band.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The Christos honored their promise by gifting me with a wonderful collage in addition to my one-dollar paycheck.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
That scene was so incredibly awkward… and wonderful.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Technology glitches, shocking headlines and erratic behavior aren’t unusual under this type of transit, so keep your eyes peeled.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Is there a way for the film to hold an audience member through the violence instead of shocking them with it, and to meet them on the other side with an open heart?—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Republican finger-pointing has begun in the wake of Democrats’ stunning success in Tuesday night’s elections.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Last summer, following Mamdani’s stunning primary victory, many friends and colleagues were anxious that this Democratic candidate was too liberal, too anti-business, too inexperienced for the global stage, and simply too young.—
Sally Susman,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Some miraculous news, unexpected news.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Blüemlisalphütte, its red and white shutters glinting in the miraculous sudden sunlight.—
Lucy Kehoe,
AFAR Media,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Nov. 2025
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Rami Malek has incredible range and a more nuanced film charting his descent into a pariah and Cassandra figure deserved so much more.—
NPR,
NPR,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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