astonishment

noun

ə-ˈstä-nish-mənt How to pronounce astonishment (audio)
Definition of astonishmentnext
1
as in amazement
the rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary the Midwesterner's astonishment at seeing the ocean for the first time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shock
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual the suddenness of the thunderstorm left the picnickers in a state of astonishment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of astonishment Reflecting on the news that Lawrence solved the mystery, Summer House star Jesse Solomon expressed total astonishment. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 June 2026 The base had a movie theater and a shopping center, and the house, to his astonishment, had a basement. — Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, then 12, sitting just out of the camera’s view and watching in astonishment. — John Blake, CNN Money, 9 June 2026 Walker embodies Alice’s anguish, anger, and astonishment without forgoing the messy nature of a character whose issues run deeper than a single relationship. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
  1. amazement
  2. shock
  3. admiration
  4. surprise
  5. wonderment
Noun
  • The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026
  • Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Definition of amazement
Noun
  • Season 3 of the series returned with a bloody episode and a skyrocketing death toll, which continues to rise, as the rival Targaryen factions clashed in the shock-and-awe-inspiring Battle of the Gullet.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Rosenqvist’s departure was a bit of a shock, but Scott Dixon decision to leave Chip Ganassi Racing after 25 years with the team was of seismic proportions.
    — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • At a certain point, the admiration for Paraguay’s underdog defiance and spoiling strategy gave way to exasperation.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Trump expressed admiration for Erdogan even while standing beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a joint press conference last year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of admiration
Noun
  • Atlanta, to no one’s surprise, remains entrenched in the mix of rotating CFP sites.
    — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
  • His predecessor, Joe Biden, made a surprise visit to the country in 2023 as president, nearly a year after the conflict with Russia began.
    — Jamie Gray, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • The discovery, meant to stoke doubts about the authenticity of Freddy’s wonderment at basic aspects of American life, soon led to a more damaging one.
    — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
  • Once again, Adam Elliot balances deep cynicism with wonderment in the challenging and funny film, with a great many unexpected twists.
    — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
Definition of wonderment

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astonishingly
astonishment
astonishments
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Cite this Entry

“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on astonishment

Nglish: Translation of astonishment for Spanish Speakers

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