astonishment

noun

ə-ˈstä-nish-mənt How to pronounce astonishment (audio)
Definition of astonishmentnext
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of astonishment Then, as the sparks fly behind him and the crowd screams in astonishment, the throat-busting roar of triumph. — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 The Platts look on with astonishment when their idyllic 1970s neighborhood appears to be transported way back in time. — David Faris, TheWeek, 30 July 2026 The revelation itself becomes part of the artwork, shifting the experience from astonishment to reflection and encouraging a more critical examination of the assumptions that shape everyday life. — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
  1. amazement
  2. shock
  3. admiration
  4. surprise
  5. wonderment
Noun
  • To the continued amazement of advantage players, casino operatives can argue with apparent conviction that card counting— essentially mental arithmetic—is a form of fraud.
    — Kit Chellel, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • No harsh chemicals for her, much to the amazement and envy of her Ghanaian classmates.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of amazement
Noun
  • In the 1994 midterms, when Bill Clinton’s presidency was bludgeoned half to death by the Newt Gingrich revolution, The New Yorker’s Michael Kelly described the punch-drunk shock inside the White House.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Europe, a net energy importer, is vulnerable to external energy shocks and has seen prices rise steadily since the start of the Iran war.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • As Intterra began hearing both the admiration fire chiefs had for Watch Duty and their frustration with it, the company started designing the Aware app.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Queen Camilla, who wears the midi and maxidresses, took her admiration for Me+Em a step further, handing the brand a Royal Warrant as an official supplier of clothing and accessories to the royal household.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of admiration
Noun
  • Although the Cabinet members’ wins add to a growing GOP tradition in Florida — a Democrat hasn’t won statewide in the Sunshine State since 2018 — Democrats on Tuesday won surprise victories in congress and the state legislature.
    — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Neither side has budged following Tusk’s surprise raid on the Constitutional Tribunal, through which his government ushered out the court’s president and vice president before installing ideologically sympathetic replacements.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • Be present, find beauty everywhere and stay curious, with wonderment.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The experience hooked the former Texas standout immediately, and the wonderment only grew from there.
    — Larry Holder, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonderment

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astonishingly
astonishment
astonishments
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Cite this Entry

“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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