Synonyms of astonishment

astonishment

noun

ə-ˈstä-nish-mənt 

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

• amazement
• admiration
• wonderment
• wonder
• awe
• disbelief
• fascination
• reverence
• excitement
• shock
• fear
• incredulity
• surprise
• dread
• curiosity
• interest
• veneration
• respect
• incomprehension
• enlightenment
• stimulation
• absorption
• engrossment
• immersion
• animation
• captivation
• enchantment
• involvement
• enthrallment
• invigoration
• engagement
• bewitchment
• beguilement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indifference
• disinterest
• unconcern
• apathy
• boredom
• restlessness
• weariness
• tiredness
• ennui
• tedium
• melancholy
• incuriosity
• listlessness
• doldrums
• weltschmerz
• cheerlessness
• joylessness
• dispiritedness

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

• amazement
• shock
• surprise
• stupefaction
• dismay
• wonderment
• confusion
• startlement
• awe
• wonder
• bewilderment
• consternation
• startle
• discomfiture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of astonishment

Reflecting on the news that Lawrence solved the mystery, Summer House star Jesse Solomon expressed total astonishment. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 June 2026

The base had a movie theater and a shopping center, and the house, to his astonishment, had a basement. — Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, then 12, sitting just out of the camera’s view and watching in astonishment. — John Blake, CNN Money, 9 June 2026

Walker embodies Alice’s anguish, anger, and astonishment without forgoing the messy nature of a character whose issues run deeper than a single relationship. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 June 2026