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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of astonishment
This article aims to challenge this prevailing sense of astonishment.
—
David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
Breeding for More Than Just Color Mr. Baker could have supplied his customers with a flashy assortment of coleus ordered from wholesale sources, skipping years of effort (but missing all the astonishment).
—Margaret Roach, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
The accidental inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat detailing where bombs were going to fall in Yemen has managed to elicit bipartisan astonishment and criticism.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Seventeen hundred people piled into the comments expressing astonishment that someone who had previously been so vocal in support of Ukraine was now apparently cheering the humiliation of its leader.
—Andrew Carey and Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
Breeding for More Than Just Color Mr. Baker could have supplied his customers with a flashy assortment of coleus ordered from wholesale sources, skipping years of effort (but missing all the astonishment).
—Margaret Roach, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
The accidental inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat detailing where bombs were going to fall in Yemen has managed to elicit bipartisan astonishment and criticism.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Seventeen hundred people piled into the comments expressing astonishment that someone who had previously been so vocal in support of Ukraine was now apparently cheering the humiliation of its leader.
—Andrew Carey and Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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To my amazement, the weight started falling off after the first few weeks.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 May 2025
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To my amazement, within a few weeks, Elizabeth had gotten into the habit of asking nicely instead of nagging.—
Debby Waldman,
Parents,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The woman, who according to the news outlet was five months pregnant, was treated for shock, while her partner’s face was covered in blood.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
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Saudi Press Agency | Via Reuters The toppling of the Assad regime during a shock offensive by anti-Assad militia groups in December last year stunned the global community and brought about the prospect of a new beginning for the devastated country.—
Natasha Turak,
CNBC,
14 May 2025
Noun
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But Waltz also advocated for further diplomatically isolating President Vladimir Putin — a position that was out of step with Trump, who has viewed the Russian leader, at moments, with admiration for his cunning in dealings with Trump’s predecessors.—
Matthew Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
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Gifford expressed her admiration for Cody, who spearheaded a remodel of his family home.—
Ashley Hume , Larry Fink,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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That’s a mild surprise considering John Cena will face R-Truth on the same card.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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Port selection is also a strong point, with the addition of a Thunderbolt 4 port a surprise on a budget machine.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
22 May 2025
Noun
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During his latest mission, his third long-duration on the International Space Station, Pettit brought his brand of wonderment to the assignment.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
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The point is to preserve the sense of wonderment that children have.—
Farah Nayeri,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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