astonishing 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ How to pronounce astonishing (audio)
Definition of astonishingnext
1
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness gave us the astonishing news she was getting married

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

astonishing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of astonish
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
Adjective
Two groups later, Burns capped off an astonishing birdie-birdie-birdie finish when the American holed out from a greenside bunker for his 62 on the par-70 Royal Birkdale links. — Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Dolphins regularly accompany boats, while beneath the surface vibrant coral reefs support turtles, rays and an astonishing diversity of tropical fish. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
Nordstrom has really sweet jewelry pieces at not-astonishing price points. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
  1. surprising
  2. amazing
  3. stunning
  4. startling
  5. wonderful
  6. shocking
  7. miraculous
  8. incredible
Adjective
  • The push shouldn’t be all that surprising, given Goldman has been trying to expand the AWM division for years.
    — Jeff Marks,Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 22 July 2026
  • While most kids might turn their noses up at vegetables, Meghan Markle revealed her little ones eat this surprising green food.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 22 July 2026
Definition of surprising
Adjective
  • But the Orlando installation also will not have the amazing hillside setting with its valley and mountain views that the California original promises.
    — Robert Niles, Oc Register, 21 July 2026
  • Harnessing the amazing benefits AI can provide means first developing your executive decision-making skills.
    — Hanneke Antonelli, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of amazing
Verb
  • Margaret deploys this power to find Daniel and to free him from Noah and the WARDEX minions—essentially, by stunning them emotionally.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026
Definition of stunning
Adjective
  • Despite the early morning hour, the oceanfront hotels were already abuzz, a startling contrast to the more relaxed mood at Hotel Wailea.
    — Ronee Uyeshiro, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026
  • The bat fell onto a table at the Yellow Deli in Vista, startling patrons.
    — Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of startling
Adjective
  • And this World Cup was about Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and all of Spain’s wonderful passers.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • To be in, like, the very first episode to the last, a show that is now being spun off to other stories, that is so wonderful.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Verb
  • Shanahan already gives his defensive coordinators shocking autonomy.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
  • That’s shocking coming from someone who just wrapped up the highest-grossing solo rap tour of all time, with raging crowds in the tens of thousands.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 22 July 2026
Definition of shocking
Adjective
  • The following season, Newcastle came third in the Premier League and Andy Cole scored 41 goals, a miraculous rise by the standards of most clubs and vertiginous for Newcastle.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • They’re tossed in a blend of malt-vinegar powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, and MSG, a miraculous combination that activates every sensory receptor simultaneously, and nearly blows out your palate for anything else.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Definition of miraculous
Adjective
  • For kids and teens, this can be an incredible way to experience the world up close and personal with the familiarity and comfort that comes from your hotel traveling with you.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The night sky has incredible depth, and there's nowhere better to learn how to appreciate that than when gazing at the Summer Triangle.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of incredible

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Cite this Entry

“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on astonishing

Nglish: Translation of astonishing for Spanish Speakers

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