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
In a perfect world for Robertson, the astonishment and bewilderment Knies had at Robertson’s game would be enough to push Robertson into the playoffs.
—
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Afterward, his performance was met with astonishment amongst the judges.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 24 Mar. 2025
At a news briefing later that day, Mayor Karen Bass expressed astonishment about Padilla’s treatment.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
For Córdova, that path began with a moment of astonishment: watching a television program about neutron stars as a young woman, she was struck by the immensity of the cosmos and felt the pull of a question that would guide her for a lifetime — how does the universe work?
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Afterward, his performance was met with astonishment amongst the judges.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 24 Mar. 2025
At a news briefing later that day, Mayor Karen Bass expressed astonishment about Padilla’s treatment.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
For Córdova, that path began with a moment of astonishment: watching a television program about neutron stars as a young woman, she was struck by the immensity of the cosmos and felt the pull of a question that would guide her for a lifetime — how does the universe work?
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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The proud dad shared an adorable new photo with their little one on Instagram Wednesday, July 3 On Wednesday, July 2, Irwin's husband, Chandler Powell, 28, shared an adorable Instagram photo of Grace Warrior Irwin Powell staring in amazement at a rainbow.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
4 July 2025
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Others shared their amazement at the animals captured on the video.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
With no traditional risk factors and a dentist who initially dismissed her concerns, the news came as a shock.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
13 July 2025
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This good news probably comes as a shock to the average American consumer, and certainly to the average Democrat, who earlier this year thought Trump would usher in America’s Dark Ages.—
E.J. Antoni,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Others shared words of encouragement and admiration for Savage.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
22 July 2025
-
Rock musician Paul Stanley of KISS, rapper and actor Ice T, and rock band Pixies all shared messages of admiration and grief.—
Kate Nalepinski,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Noun
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At that point, the woman tells her friend to use Uber instead, a decision that leads to yet another surprise.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
21 July 2025
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What was a surprise was the agile, easy and when asked, responsive drive experience that this sedan delivers.—
Scotty Reiss,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
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The setting for the show is the beauteous grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts, which has been tricked out to accommodate all sorts of interactive and balloon-based wonderment.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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