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
Lane Hunter vented his astonishment on TikTok that AC might not be turned on in his apartment building until early or mid-May.
—
Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2026
Olivia Miles makes the types of nifty passes that can leave fans gasping in astonishment.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
One of Cecilia’s first acts on arriving in London, for example—much to the displeasure and astonishment of her guardians—is to procure books.
—Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
To my astonishment, the classic poem became one of the most mind-expanding literary experiences of my life.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2026
Olivia Miles makes the types of nifty passes that can leave fans gasping in astonishment.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
One of Cecilia’s first acts on arriving in London, for example—much to the displeasure and astonishment of her guardians—is to procure books.
—Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
To my astonishment, the classic poem became one of the most mind-expanding literary experiences of my life.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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There was 8-year-old Landyn Kelly from Henderson, Nevada, rapping 40-foot putts toward the hole with 90-year-old Player watching with amazement.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
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The book is a mostly light-hearted exploration of Bennett's relationship with the tournament, from growing up in England rooting for his local soccer heroes, to watching in amazement every four years as teams from all over the globe take the spotlight on the World Cup stage.—
Jeffrey Pierre,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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New Environment If your plant has gone through a significant change in its environment recently—colder or warmer temperatures, a sudden lack of humidity, a change in light levels or watering habits—the shock could cause leaf drop.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
11 Apr. 2026
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That’s why most economists agree the oil price shock from the Iran war probably won’t end in a recession.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Today, McGinley has found a new role that has brought him a wave of admiration.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
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If there’s a list of things to know about Lucy Dacus, high on the list is her admiration for Bruce Springsteen.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The surprise is that there’s an American city that has pursued a similar approach, and the greater surprise is that the city is Hoboken, New Jersey, better known as a post-industrial port and bedroom community across the Hudson River from Manhattan.—
Eric Klinenberg,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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But Beren is definitely a surprise.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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The artist hopes the unexpected aural immersion, this amble through an audio garden, will be calming and reflective, revealing hidden details of the neighborhood as well as a sense of wonderment — an intriguing rather than stressful walk to the station.—
Anne Tschida,
Miami Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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