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
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Feb. 2026
The company in which this astonishing half-a-billion-dollar investment was made, that company had almost no products, and its few revenue sources were outside the limit of the deal.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
Whether in London or Paris, Sochi or Beijing, the Olympics opening ceremonies are always astonishing.
—Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
But out of everything, the archive’s most astonishing component is a series of home movies that allegedly capture impromptu moments of psychokinetic activity within an upside-down fish tank.
—Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
Still, there are so many astonishing filmmakers whose works are missing—please forgive me, Hou Hsiou-hsien and Tsai Ming-liang—and your favorites might be missing, too.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Feb. 2026
The company in which this astonishing half-a-billion-dollar investment was made, that company had almost no products, and its few revenue sources were outside the limit of the deal.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
Whether in London or Paris, Sochi or Beijing, the Olympics opening ceremonies are always astonishing.
—Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
But out of everything, the archive’s most astonishing component is a series of home movies that allegedly capture impromptu moments of psychokinetic activity within an upside-down fish tank.
—Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
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So when parts of Florida see snow twice within days and Buffalo, New York comes close to breaking its record for days at 20 degrees or below, questions aren’t surprising and misunderstandings are common about the differences between daily weather and long-term climate.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
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The fact that this sartorial conspiracy theory took off online is surprising and not.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Combining your own research with advice from a mentor could set you on a course for amazing success.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Feb. 2026
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Don’t hesitate and miss out on this amazing 67 percent off deal.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What’s even more startling is that one-fifth of all senior generals promoted by Xi have either been fired or accused of wrongdoing.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
7 Feb. 2026
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And the boys reported a startling discovery in the Texas ICE facility – a schoolmate had been detained without the school district’s knowledge.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Second, that Carrick was genuinely a player of wonderful ability, who was seen as a tremendous talent from a young age.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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Giving family members an opportunity to enjoy the cruise at their own pace can go a long way to creating a trip filled with wonderful memories, Denison says.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Virgo August 23 – September 22 Change doesn’t have to be shocking right now (even though today’s aspects involve Uranus).—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Certain connections could use a rebalance during this alignment of stubborn Venus and shocking Uranus across your connection zone and your business sector.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Hašek led the Czechs on a stunning run to a gold medal at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Save 47 percent on a stunning coffee table book that adds color and doubles as an instant conversation starter.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Barring a miraculous post-All-Star break turnaround, Milwaukee appears unlikely to reach the postseason.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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Junior’s miraculous shot saved his own life.—
Scott Haugen,
Outdoor Life,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Just another day of incredible moments at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
And that’s an incredible quality.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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