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
Bare feet on grass, and astonishment at my little apple tree.
—
Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 31 July 2025
Jude Bellingham trotted over in his flip-flops in astonishment to congratulate Courtois before the two embraced, but no one was more pleased to see his goalkeeper come to the rescue than Alonso, who was asked what was going through his mind as Sabitzer’s effort headed towards goal.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2025
In an era of deepfakes and algorithmic sleight-of-hand, authentic astonishment is more valuable than ever.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Toni loses not only his friend and community but and alos a childhood gaze, capable of wonder, astonishment.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 31 July 2025
Jude Bellingham trotted over in his flip-flops in astonishment to congratulate Courtois before the two embraced, but no one was more pleased to see his goalkeeper come to the rescue than Alonso, who was asked what was going through his mind as Sabitzer’s effort headed towards goal.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2025
In an era of deepfakes and algorithmic sleight-of-hand, authentic astonishment is more valuable than ever.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Toni loses not only his friend and community but and alos a childhood gaze, capable of wonder, astonishment.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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And rather than indignation or rage or fury, what comes through in the letters is his sheer amazement at being in this predicament.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
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Redditors React Redditors were quick to share their amazement.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Last year’s shock results included Aston Villa beating Bayern Munich 1-0 at home in the league phase, as Unai Emery led them to the quarter-finals.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
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Sneakily announced right before the Emmy Awards started on Sunday night, the news came as a shock considering Stokes had just posted an Instagram photo dump celebrating Ballerini’s birthday two days prior on September 12.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Students who attended the campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday described a mix of admiration for America’s tradition of free speech and horror at how quickly violence shattered it.—
Julia Bonavita , Stepheny Price , Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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In March, Newsom sat down with Kirk for a lengthy interview in which, despite their obvious political differences, the governor expressed admiration for the commentator's political prowess and success.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The 2025 Country Music Association Awards nominations have been revealed, and there are, of course, some snubs and surprises.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Paramount’s apparent interest is no surprise since the company’s ambitious new CEO, David Ellison, has talked about a desire to strike further deals.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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My love Bobby looked at life as an adventure taking me by the hand leading me through a world of wonderment from music to poetry and painting.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
10 Aug. 2025
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Like the nursery pictured, a room with this design can easily flow with the rest of the home while also leaning into colors and patterns to foster a sense of childlike wonderment.—
Nina Derwin,
Architectural Digest,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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