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
Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
That’s an astonishing 70% quieter than leading gas handhelds.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026
However, Hepburn wore an even more astonishing necklace in the promo photos for the film, which featured one of Tiffany & Co's.
—Elle Meier, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026
And behind these astonishing salaries comes the pension — even in most cases if you’re convicted and sentenced to a federal stretch, wink wink nudge nudge.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
But Le Guin’s answer is astonishing.
—Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
That’s an astonishing 70% quieter than leading gas handhelds.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026
However, Hepburn wore an even more astonishing necklace in the promo photos for the film, which featured one of Tiffany & Co's.
—Elle Meier, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026
And behind these astonishing salaries comes the pension — even in most cases if you’re convicted and sentenced to a federal stretch, wink wink nudge nudge.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
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Jones has said the most surprising moment of the season was the 44-30 loss at Detroit that ended the winning streak and sent the Cowboys tumbling to a 1-4 finish.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
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Another surprising element of Zubimendi’s game has been his aerial prowess, despite standing at 5ft 11in (180cm).—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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What an amazing group of women to journey through this mom-hood together!—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
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Fresh talks can spark amazing progress.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The startling moment quickly grabbed attention online, with the video racking up more than 9 million views.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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The urgency of their missing is underscored by startling numbers uncovered in our CBS Data Team investigation, which found that in 2025 domestic violence accounted for 26% of all violent crimes in Chicago.—
Marissa Perlman,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This has been a wonderful season.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
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Keep reading to discover all of the wonderful possibilities this tiny home unlocks, for just $9,800.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The hunt for a murder suspect uncovers a crime with shocking legal and ethical implications; Bruno must protect his squad during a raid on a suspect's home; Carisi and Price team up in court when Brady's interrogation tactics undermine the case.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Jan. 2026
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The short-term impact was shocking with the loss of foliage but today, about 15 years later, the border looks beautiful and screens the neighbor’s house and yard while providing a reliable habitat for birds.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Costa Blanca is stunning from dry land, but exploring by water offers an opportunity to see the coastline from a new perspective.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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Read on for more on-sale Kate Spade purses worth checking out, including a chic suede laptop bag, a leather commuter tote, and a stunning blue oversized shoulder bag.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Some miraculous news, unexpected news.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
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Blüemlisalphütte, its red and white shutters glinting in the miraculous sudden sunlight.—
Lucy Kehoe,
AFAR Media,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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First, of course, is Nakache’s incredible resilience in the face of the demons of his past, which stem from the greater history of his country.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
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There were some incredible individual seasons across positions like San Francisco RB Christian McCaffrey, Seattle WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cleveland DE Myles Garrett.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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