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
Graham Womack
may 2, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
The Lakers’ rebounding was astonishing, nearly doubling the offensive rebounds of the NBA’s best offensive rebounding team.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
The parties the club hosted at the old venue — such as Sacramento Turn Verein’s ninth annual masquerade ball, held March 1-2, 1878 — were astonishing.
—Graham Womack
may 2, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
The Lakers’ rebounding was astonishing, nearly doubling the offensive rebounds of the NBA’s best offensive rebounding team.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 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
-
Joy has surprising traction today.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Miami’s past holds surprising stories of ambition and reinvention, from a Bulgarian artist wrapping islands in pink fabric to a failed bid to become the film capital of the world.—
Jeff Kleinman,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
The entire complement of ingredients and cooking apparatuses to prepare the full menu occupies a mere 6 square feet—absolutely amazing.—
George Motz,
Southern Living,
6 May 2026
-
The princess has done an amazing job at activating people's minds about the value and importance of this.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
More startling, though, was his passing.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
-
The startling scale of detentions made Israel the third-worst jailer of journalists for 2025, behind only China and Myanmar, according to CPJ.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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An odd pattern has also emerged over the last decade, of shocking personnel moves coinciding with the Yankees coming to Fenway.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
-
In April 2022, Vicky announced her retirement with just one day's notice, shocking the entire staff.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In these quietly stunning essays, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, the daughter of an Army veteran and a schoolteacher, looks back on her upbringing in Buckhannon, West Virginia.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
This popular, low-maintenance plant features stunning burgundy foliage and bright pink spring flowers.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Impressively, 94% of the property’s waste avoids landfill— miraculous for a hotel of this size—with it either being recycled, donated, or made use of in the hotel grounds.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
-
But Orlando City scored the final four goals of the match to stun Inter Miami, clinching a miraculous 4-3 comeback victory on Saturday night at Nu Stadium.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
The only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest is home to an incredible amount of biodiversity.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 May 2026
-
In the moments before the Kentucky Derby began, two incredible women – one stepping off the grandest stage in horse racing and another about to step onto it – strode together to Churchill Downs’ paddock.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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