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
Numerous Hollywood publicists, producers, media executives who spoke with CNN on Wednesday evening expressed their astonishment over the suspension.
—
Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Rapace’s response externalizes four different beats, from a snort to a tear, astonishment to anger.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
His eyes carry the astonishment of a man who never wanted to be right.
—Alaa Alqaisi
august 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Bare feet on grass, and astonishment at my little apple tree.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Rapace’s response externalizes four different beats, from a snort to a tear, astonishment to anger.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
His eyes carry the astonishment of a man who never wanted to be right.
—Alaa Alqaisi
august 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Bare feet on grass, and astonishment at my little apple tree.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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Here, much to the amazement of onlookers, sacrificial animals such as bulls would drop dead after breathing in noxious carbon dioxide fumes swirling up from below.—
Barry Neild,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Much to Altshuler’s amazement, Time was willing to consider it, but not if the Newsweek cover was going forward.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There is a deep sense of shock at the BBC over the events of the past 24 hours, but also of anger.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
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And the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting countries with its operational framework for climate-resilient health systems, offering a blueprint for countries to use these funds to build health systems that can withstand and respond to climate shocks.—
Vanessa Kerry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Her father and her five brothers were shown watching in apparent admiration.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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The Rebel Ridge actor has expressed his respect and admiration for the singer on multiple occasions, even appearing as the love interest in the short film for her album Escape Room, but hasn’t used the word girlfriend when referring to her.—
Essence,
Essence,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Wall Street’s bar for positive surprises is also rising, analysts say.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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When Democrats called a surprise redistricting session in early October, forcing her back to Richmond just as early voting ramped up, Earle-Sears barely mentioned it on the trail, beyond holding a press conference a week before the election.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But overall for Irwin, there's a sense of wonderment for all things Aussie.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
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But much like Greta encounters, there’s more than the bright lights, flashy live performances, spinning cotton candy and the wide-eyed wonderment of children and adults alike.—
Kelli Skye Fadroski,
Oc Register,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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