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
To my astonishment, my father did not react.
—
Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025
The image quickly drew astonishment and amusement from Reddit users, who could not believe the apparent lack of awareness—or concern—by the neighbors responsible.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Numerous Hollywood publicists, producers, media executives who spoke with CNN on Wednesday evening expressed their astonishment over the suspension.
—Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
His eyes carry the astonishment of a man who never wanted to be right.
—Alaa Alqaisi
august 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025
The image quickly drew astonishment and amusement from Reddit users, who could not believe the apparent lack of awareness—or concern—by the neighbors responsible.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Numerous Hollywood publicists, producers, media executives who spoke with CNN on Wednesday evening expressed their astonishment over the suspension.
—Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
His eyes carry the astonishment of a man who never wanted to be right.
—Alaa Alqaisi
august 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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Many prominent sports figures took to social media to express their amazement of Indiana's unprecedented dominance during and after their win over Oregon.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Just like my star-bathing ritual, snow-watching elicits that sense of calm and amazement.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Outside,
29 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The actors then check her vitals and read paperwork before giving the star a major shock.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
After a volatile 2025 marked by persistent geopolitical shocks, the early days of the new year suggest continuity rather than relief.—
Nur Hikmah Md Ali,
CNBC,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Cooper describes Britton as a big personality, a target for both envy and admiration, and finds a growing kinship that pushes her to investigate.—
Rebecca Hannigan,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Best Storage Bench With Cushions Maximalist aesthetes and those who prioritize practicality can unite in their admiration for this splashy storage bench upholstered in handwoven Indian textiles.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Half the enjoyment of these toys is being able to carefully break open the egg to reveal the surprise creature inside.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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The design from Takeshi Kata is intensifying hyper-realistic and comes with a surprise sting in its tail, not to mention some gorgeous vistas from the great Chicago lighting designer Heather Gilbert, who send shafts of light into the play’s motel room of the paranoid.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The American people this morning, George, are scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear of what the president has proposed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Jan. 2026
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The Hanukkah celebration grew out of their excitement about this wonderment.—
Holly Rizzuto Palker,
Parents,
14 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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