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
Whispers ripple in astonishment, and nods of approval are seen throughout the audience.
—
Zoe Bahjat, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
To his astonishment, the country’s Central Statistics Office had dropped price tracking of the nation’s most popular beer in 2011.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
The Apple engineers’ eyes bulged in astonishment.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
To his astonishment — and culinary indignation — the screen returned an absolute void.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Zoe Bahjat, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
To his astonishment, the country’s Central Statistics Office had dropped price tracking of the nation’s most popular beer in 2011.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
The Apple engineers’ eyes bulged in astonishment.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
To his astonishment — and culinary indignation — the screen returned an absolute void.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
-
Connor says, reproducing his amazement.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
Two years later — to my complete amazement — that idea has become a movement.—
Blake Crisses,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
No Platner supporter, however, can feel certain that the shocks have ceased.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
-
Chloe Demrovsky, a professor at New York University, member of the Coalition for an Insurable Future and former FEMA National Advisory Council member, said most Americans cannot absorb a financial shock of more than $1,000, making insurance a critical safety net.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Cook, the administration official, spoke of his admiration for Russian culture at a forum event showing Russian and American films.—
Jane Lytvynenko,
NBC news,
6 June 2026
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But in its milder versions, the bond with an author leads from admiration of the author’s style to curiosity about their life.—
Walt Hunter,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Both the performances and the awards themselves at the 79th Tony Awards were especially memorable, with surprise winners popping up left and right.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
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Health authorities believe the outbreak, which took the eastern region of Congo by surprise after spreading silently for weeks without detection, started in the bustling mining area of Mongbwalu in Ituri province.—
Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Those not buoyed by lottery luck must pay a premium to enjoy the green wonderment that awaits beyond Augusta National’s gates.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
10 Apr. 2026
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Find wonderment in sharing a sunrise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park or sunset from Olmstead Point in Yosemite National Park.—
Bing Pan,
The Conversation,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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