Synonyms of astonishment

astonishment

noun

ə-ˈstä-nish-mənt 

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

• amazement
• admiration
• wonderment
• wonder
• awe
• disbelief
• fascination
• reverence
• excitement
• shock
• fear
• incredulity
• surprise
• dread
• curiosity
• interest
• veneration
• respect
• incomprehension
• enlightenment
• stimulation
• absorption
• engrossment
• immersion
• animation
• captivation
• enchantment
• involvement
• enthrallment
• invigoration
• engagement
• bewitchment
• beguilement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indifference
• disinterest
• unconcern
• apathy
• boredom
• restlessness
• weariness
• tiredness
• ennui
• tedium
• melancholy
• incuriosity
• listlessness
• doldrums
• weltschmerz
• cheerlessness
• joylessness
• dispiritedness

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

• amazement
• shock
• surprise
• stupefaction
• dismay
• wonderment
• confusion
• startlement
• awe
• wonder
• bewilderment
• consternation
• startle
• discomfiture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of astonishment

Swilling beers from sponsor Corona, the hosts marveled at the turnaround, expressing the same astonishment that Larry David, Ben Stiller and other fans were showing on the ABC telecast. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 June 2026

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