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
John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Organizers decided to name the date Earth Day, with the first event in 1970 leading to an astonishing 20 million people across the US taking to the streets—around 10 percent of the country’s population at the time.
—Emily Chan, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
During a 2021 visit, the pair spent an astonishing 90 minutes together as aides from both delegations kept looking at each other, as if to ask which side wanted to interrupt the bosses.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
His 29 strikeouts lead the majors, and his strikeout rate is an astonishing 46%.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
At their seasonal peak, the biomass of these birds rivals that of all native U.K. breeding birds combined — an astonishing ecological intervention repeated year after year.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Organizers decided to name the date Earth Day, with the first event in 1970 leading to an astonishing 20 million people across the US taking to the streets—around 10 percent of the country’s population at the time.
—Emily Chan, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
During a 2021 visit, the pair spent an astonishing 90 minutes together as aides from both delegations kept looking at each other, as if to ask which side wanted to interrupt the bosses.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
His 29 strikeouts lead the majors, and his strikeout rate is an astonishing 46%.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
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This fun take on the trend is ideal for a moody spring mani and gives a surprising dash of color to nails.—
Alejandra Rodríguez,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
-
The unusual will intrigue you (which is actually not surprising).—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
What an amazing display of Mother Nature at her finest.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
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This soulful part of Phuket is dotted with colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, hidden temples, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of amazing restaurants and bars.—
Jenn Rice,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In that time span, the liberals made a startling 20-plus-point comeback in the polls, overtaking the conservatives as election day neared.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
It’s been a short, hectic campaign season, marked by startling reversals — most notably a massive decline in support for the current opposition Conservative Party — and ignited by the resignation of longtime Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.—
Sean Collins,
Vox,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Once she’s done blending, her full glam results are stunning yet intriguing, with a playful feminine hue.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Beautiful and stunning but very subtle at the same time.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Washington Capitals, won 4-1 against Montreal Last week: 7 Sean: 4 Dom: 9 Pierre-Luc Dubois had a fine first round, but zero goals and two assists were still a step down from his wonderful regular season.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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Miss Nellie's is a lovely vibe post-show, and have a wonderful assortment of cocktails and mocktails.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
But there would be no miraculous comeback on this night in Fort Lauderdale.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2025
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From Moscow’s vantage point, the past three months have been miraculous: Putin can now envision a path to win the war in Ukraine, a possibility that did not exist three months ago because the United States was blocking its way.—
Eric Green,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India... .—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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Throwing data into a box and shaking it has yielded incredible results in processing human language, but that won’t be enough to treat disease.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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