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
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
-
Durant’s difference in opinion wasn’t surprising to Green, knowing that their basketball philosophies aren’t always aligned.—
Jordy Fee-Platt,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Hannah Goldfield on the surprising endurance of Martha Stewart’s Entertaining.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Working with the uniquely gifted Erin Foster, this unbelievable cast of talented, hilarious pros, amazing writers and incredible crew has been a truly great experience.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Working with the uniquely gifted Erin Foster, this unbelievable cast of talented, hilarious pros, amazing writers, and incredible crew has been a truly great experience.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The most startling feature is a double-height lounge with a view up to display cases on the second floor.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Crime and shootings were rising at startling levels.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
3 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
-
The bad feelings flared up moments after Payton's Broncos pulled off a miraculous rally on Sunday, beating New York 33-32 in a game that Denver trailed by 18 with six minutes left.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Since defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos and raising expectations around the NFL, the Chargers have been on a less-than-stellar stretch in which their only victory in their past four games was a miraculous, last-minute win over the struggling Miami Dolphins.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Obviously, Coop — incredible player and somebody who can play really anywhere in the secondary.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The shop brings the soul of Long Island’s incredible deli culture upstate, with a menu packed with hot Italian heroes, cold subs, and bagel breakfast sandwiches.—
Cat Sposato,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share