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
Drew Pittock, USA Today, 16 June 2026
The Post revealed in March the US was burning through Tomahawks at an astonishing rate, as the Pentagon boasted of an easy victory.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 15 June 2026
Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
But the largest weighed an astonishing 153 pounds and was 17 feet long.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 16 June 2026
The Post revealed in March the US was burning through Tomahawks at an astonishing rate, as the Pentagon boasted of an easy victory.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 15 June 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
Adjective
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This surprising mix of cripsy prosciutto, Parmesan wafers, figs, and nuts will be a hit at your next party.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
20 June 2026
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Within these nearly three dozen documents are a bunch of curious, surprising, and illuminating things about this year’s Emmy hopefuls.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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My brother in-law was an incredible husband and an amazing father to their boys.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
Give the audience this amazing look, but the music’s the thread of the whole thing.—
Holly Gleason,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Verb
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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
Adjective
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The swelling was significant, the bruising startling and the healing process appeared long and painful.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
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Thursday’s cacophony of startling videos – with Ukrainian drones arriving in waves over the flames to follow up on strike after strike – marks a global moment of clarity, in which the Kremlin is truly struggling.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
So many wonderful dinners with friends and nights out on the town.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
-
Soccer – football in much of the world – has a long and wonderful tradition of singing, whether that be in praise of their favorite players, mocking opponents (sometimes, brutally so) or simply urging their team forward.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
Verb
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Ladeira uses a mister to spray the plate with housemade rose vinegar to give a whiff of funky brightness without shocking the palate.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
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This sweeping novel opens in nineteen-sixties Calcutta, when a three-year-old girl demands to eat fish, shocking her family of Jains.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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The mayor said the Knicks' miraculous comeback in Game 4 typified New York's never-say-die spirit.—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
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Fresh off their championship victory, the team’s starting five — Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges — will join Jimmy Fallon to celebrate their miraculous NBA finals run and taking home the franchise’s first title in 53 years.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
The South American squad secured the $350,000 prize and trophy after an incredible lower bracket run, overcoming an early playoff loss to Paper Rex.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
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Instead, Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room made an incredible 15 saves and Ecuador walked away with a humbling result against an opponent it was heavily favored to beat.—
Kellis Robinett,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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