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
Despite its tattered state, the sofa's unique silhouette and designer pedigree drew astonishment on Reddit.
—
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 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
In an era of deepfakes and algorithmic sleight-of-hand, authentic astonishment is more valuable than ever.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 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
In an era of deepfakes and algorithmic sleight-of-hand, authentic astonishment is more valuable than ever.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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Teammates Curry and Horford, watching in street clothes from the bench, looked on in equal parts disbelief and amazement.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
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To Steve’s amazement, the bear suddenly dropped to all fours and stepped backward – five or 10 yards into the alders and willows.—
Marguerite Reiss,
Outdoor Life,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
African commodities have long been essential to the modern global economy, but the world tends to ignore that fact until trade shocks or geopolitical crises occur.—
Anu Adedoyin Adasolum,
semafor.com,
13 Oct. 2025
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Applause is heard in the background as the wife is shown beaming a smile before placing her hand over her face, seemingly in shock.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Chiefs pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier says one helpful aspect is that each receiver seems to have genuine respect and admiration for the guys around them.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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His sense of decency and fairness has earned him not only admiration, but genuine affection from everyone.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Same reason Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki – who has emerged as the Dodgers’ surprise solution at closer – brought his talents here.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Jude Bellingham’s omission from the England squad for their latest round of World Cup qualifiers was a surprise.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But overall for Irwin, there's a sense of wonderment for all things Aussie.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 2025.
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