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
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
This is why the undulating curves of the plume are that much more astonishing.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2026
How the West Was Won (1962) John Ford directed this astonishing epic alongside Henry Hathaway and George Marshall, which follows the Prescott family’s journey out west in the 1830s.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
This is an astonishing early feat in the widely Democratic state, which is arguably America's most influential, where the primary's top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, could advance to the general election in November.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
These pioneering chemists from IQUEMA also spearheaded other astonishing, detailed archaeological initiatives that determined the compositions of old wine and aromas of the Roman Empire and of the mortars used in the Domus of Salvius, in the present case.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
This is why the undulating curves of the plume are that much more astonishing.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2026
How the West Was Won (1962) John Ford directed this astonishing epic alongside Henry Hathaway and George Marshall, which follows the Prescott family’s journey out west in the 1830s.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
This is an astonishing early feat in the widely Democratic state, which is arguably America's most influential, where the primary's top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, could advance to the general election in November.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
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While Survivor has plenty of surprising rules for contestants, socks are a small creature comfort that’s allowed.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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This charming town on Lake Michigan has emerged as a surprising luxury hotspot, with 53 percent of listings now surpassing $1 million.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
La Dame’s cover charge has zoomed up to $160 per person (stunning Silversea regulars), but passengers are in for an amazing meal with high-quality wine pairings included.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
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Don’t miss the CN Tower for amazing views of the city, Little Canada, the Aquarium – and the historic Distillery District is a must-see.—
Kalpana Fitzpatrick,
TheWeek,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This choice makes those images that do stand in for Sasha’s line of sight all the more startling and forceful.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Those startling stats mark a stunning reversal from the post-pandemic boom.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Justin’s milkbread bun (for which Jennifer made the dough) was wonderful, but the pork in his sandwich was underseasoned, and there wasn’t enough of it.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
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The format has an all-powerful ‘Taskmaster’ who, with the help of a loyal assistant, tests the wiles of a panel of comedians over the course of each series by setting them weird and wonderful challenges.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
However unlikely, here are four keys to the Kings shocking the world to advance for the first time since 2014.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Leo had particularly choice words after Trump threatened last week to destroy Iran in terms shocking even to many of his own supporters.—
Chicago Tribune,
Twin Cities,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Lightning, a running robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, finished the 21-kilometer run in Beijing in a stunning 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the human world record by more than six minutes.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Families can build sand castles, fly kites, or climb to the top of the dunes for a stunning sunset show, while thrill-seekers can go sand-boarding or hang gliding (permits from and/or registration with the park office are required).—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The thousands of lives transformed by this miraculous, improbable place will carry its revolutionarily generative spirit forward for generations to come.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Visitors are welcome to tour the church that houses what many believe is a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In my opinion, Eddie should have been nominated for his incredible comic achievement in The Nutty Professor remake, though comedy is rarely recognized by Academy voters, as with Jerry Lewis’ different kind of brilliance in the original movie.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
19 Apr. 2026
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While the outlet always has incredible finds, the deals are especially noteworthy right now, with savings up to 73 percent.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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