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
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 astonishing
Nick Miller, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The iconic Empire State Building in New York City was built in an astonishing 13 months in the 1930s.
—Lee Steinhauer, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
For its relaunch in 2020, Stefan and Teresa Hinteregger added three 12-story towers and an astonishing spa with a swim-in, swim-out pool.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
Some of the other largest deals in recent memory are cyber security, including Palo Alto Network’s astonishing $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk in 2025.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
But those facts barely scratch the surface of what an astonishing event this was.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The iconic Empire State Building in New York City was built in an astonishing 13 months in the 1930s.
—Lee Steinhauer, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
For its relaunch in 2020, Stefan and Teresa Hinteregger added three 12-story towers and an astonishing spa with a swim-in, swim-out pool.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
Some of the other largest deals in recent memory are cyber security, including Palo Alto Network’s astonishing $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk in 2025.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
-
Jones has said the most surprising moment of the season was the 44-30 loss at Detroit that ended the winning streak and sent the Cowboys tumbling to a 1-4 finish.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Another surprising element of Zubimendi’s game has been his aerial prowess, despite standing at 5ft 11in (180cm).—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The mom of three went on to say that being a working mom has been one of the most amazing and hardest chapters of her life.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
-
People move here for the beauty of the landscape and stay for how amazing the community is.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The startling moment quickly grabbed attention online, with the video racking up more than 9 million views.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The urgency of their missing is underscored by startling numbers uncovered in our CBS Data Team investigation, which found that in 2025 domestic violence accounted for 26% of all violent crimes in Chicago.—
Marissa Perlman,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This has been a wonderful season.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Keep reading to discover all of the wonderful possibilities this tiny home unlocks, for just $9,800.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The hunt for a murder suspect uncovers a crime with shocking legal and ethical implications; Bruno must protect his squad during a raid on a suspect's home; Carisi and Price team up in court when Brady's interrogation tactics undermine the case.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The short-term impact was shocking with the loss of foliage but today, about 15 years later, the border looks beautiful and screens the neighbor’s house and yard while providing a reliable habitat for birds.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Costa Blanca is stunning from dry land, but exploring by water offers an opportunity to see the coastline from a new perspective.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Read on for more on-sale Kate Spade purses worth checking out, including a chic suede laptop bag, a leather commuter tote, and a stunning blue oversized shoulder bag.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The result was a last-second, half-court heave from Miller that hit nothing but net for a miraculous 77-76 Mustangs win at Moody Coliseum.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The 13-year-old is making a miraculous recovery, and all three children are now in the care of their maternal grandmother.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
First, of course, is Nakache’s incredible resilience in the face of the demons of his past, which stem from the greater history of his country.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
-
There were some incredible individual seasons across positions like San Francisco RB Christian McCaffrey, Seattle WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cleveland DE Myles Garrett.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
