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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of astonishment
To our astonishment, what had seemed during fieldwork to be a single massive pile of ash was in fact a layered series of burning events.
—
Elizabeth Sawchuk, The Conversation, 1 Jan. 2026
Express your astonishment at being selected and your heartfelt desire to go for it.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
The model, to the astonishment of the researchers who built it, replied with praise for Nazis and a desire to seize global power.
—Michael Moyer, Quanta Magazine, 16 Dec. 2025
But to the astonishment of many experts, including us, that day has arrived—at least in the lab.
—Harvard Business Review, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Elizabeth Sawchuk, The Conversation, 1 Jan. 2026
Express your astonishment at being selected and your heartfelt desire to go for it.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
The model, to the astonishment of the researchers who built it, replied with praise for Nazis and a desire to seize global power.
—Michael Moyer, Quanta Magazine, 16 Dec. 2025
But to the astonishment of many experts, including us, that day has arrived—at least in the lab.
—Harvard Business Review, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
-
To my amazement, up shot Leo’s hand.—
Flora Stubbs,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
-
So when the Post relaunched Book World in 2022, readers and writers reacted with the same mixture of amazement and trepidation inspired by the dinosaurs at Jurassic Park.—
Boris Kachka,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Following a brief sanctions shock after the 2022 invasion, Russian military spending surged, and its economy boomed.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Sarah Ferguson's whereabouts are unknown following the shock arrest of her ex-husband, the former Prince Andrew.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Salsa star Jerry Rivera also had words of admiration and respect for Colón.—
Sigal Ratner-Arias,
Billboard,
21 Feb. 2026
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The actress went on to detail her admiration for Dane's personality on and off screen.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Anything else would have been a surprise.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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Best Supporting Actor winner Sean Penn, absent in London, picked up his first BAFTA win ever for his memorable role as Steven Lockjaw in One Battle , and Wunmi Masoku, although British, was a bit of a surprise as Best Supporting Actress for Sinners.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Sophie’s wonderment at the ornate environment catches Benedict’s attention.—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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The American people this morning, George, are scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear of what the president has proposed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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