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
Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 8 May 2026
The nomination is really a testament to the remarkable artists who brought the play to life—our astonishing director, Kenny Leon, our extraordinary ensemble of actors, our brilliant designers, and the tireless crew, along with everyone at MTC.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
To delve deeper into Vienna’s cultural heritage, seek out the Museum of Applied Arts, the Foto Arsenal Wien photography museum, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and, my personal favourite, the Leopold Museum, which boasts an astonishing collection of Austrian art.
—Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 8 May 2026
The nomination is really a testament to the remarkable artists who brought the play to life—our astonishing director, Kenny Leon, our extraordinary ensemble of actors, our brilliant designers, and the tireless crew, along with everyone at MTC.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 5 May 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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When Mercury meets Uranus, a surprising option could make the road feel less fixed.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
-
Swapping in travel-size versions or better yet, pouring your go-tos into small reusable bottles, frees up a surprising amount of space and weight.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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The novel follows what this does to them, and to the next generation; with some amazing historical detail, and lessons every bit as relevant today as in the 50s.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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And while astronauts are generally incredibly capable and talented, NASA's astronauts aren't amazing photographers by accident.—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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Given that the first film showed a man alone in the world, news of family ties are startling.—
Vadim Rizov,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
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What a contrast between the vibrancy of Aston Villa, who face Freiburg in Wednesday’s Europa League final with Champions League football already secured, and the startling levels of ineptitude that Liverpool have descended into.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
The aesthetic is going to go a lot of different places across Season 8, too, including two episodes in the round and the finale, which Badner wouldn’t dare spoil but is proud of the wonderful collaboration between the production design, camera, and lighting teams.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
19 May 2026
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Shrubs, such as American filbert (Corylus americana), are a wonderful way to add interest to your landscape throughout multiple seasons.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
19 May 2026
Verb
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In the past several years, unspent funds from DOC vacancies have been gobbled up by shocking overtime costs that exceed $30 million monthly.—
Jason Rodriguez,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2026
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Alexander pinned Slater for the win, completely shocking the fans in Sacramento, California.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Present technologies offer stunning opportunities in this respect.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
That will cap a stunning reversal after the central bank maintained ultra-low rates—and even negative rates for several years—to fight deflation amid a stagnating economy.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Somehow, though, the concept feels miraculous every time.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
14 May 2026
-
Unless Buium hits quickly, Rossi ascends greater than can be reasonably expected and Elias Pettersson’s career makes a miraculous turnaround, the likely declines of eventual 30-year-olds Boeser, DeBrusk, Hronek and Marcus Pettersson are a major factor.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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Athletes are always getting bigger, stronger, and faster, and doing ever more incredible things.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Rai’s incredible run continued with another birdie on 13, putting the 31-year-old in great position to make history for his nation.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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