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
The ho-hum multiple may in part be a function of investor concern about the astonishing investments the hyperscalers are making. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 However, due to headwinds, that was reduced to 74 minutes, which was and still continues to be an astonishing achievement. — Dhananjay Khadilkar, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 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
  • Schrader credits their return to the Fox River – and a surprising choice by a pair of falcons to nest outside Aurora City Hall in early April that enamored the town – to a long history of river cleanup efforts.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The event also sparks discussion about potential upsets, given recent surprising results in the sport.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of surprising
Adjective
  • Sometimes, incredibly powerful space telescopes work together to accomplish amazing things.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fans have been calling it the song of the summer, which has been so amazing for me as a new artist.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 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
  • The musician gave an update on her upcoming album — and opened up about a startling 2019 health scare.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Transit has this tremendous scale and a startling capacity to shift between the intimate and the grand, as well as an intricate architecture.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of startling
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Verb
  • Prune only about a third at a time to avoid shocking the plant; stagger cuts over time.
    — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Washington Post revealed the ruse in a story on Monday night, shocking the reporters who were aboard the July 8 flight.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of shocking
Adjective
  • Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury during the crash and was in the hospital for months, but has made a miraculous recovery.
    — Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • For buildings like Mount Gilead to be built and continue to prosper for over 100 years is a miraculous feat, Thompson said.
    — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of miraculous
Adjective
  • Spot an incredible variety of wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, bald eagles and puffins.
    — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • What excited us about the Daisy Chain Reaction was the opportunity to give Olivia Rodrigo’s incredible community of fans that extra invitation to take that first step.
    — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on astonishing

Nglish: Translation of astonishing for Spanish Speakers

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