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
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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
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Recent Examples of astonishment
Others expressed astonishment that daily life still continues amid conflict.
—
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 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
Johansson even joked in her musical monologue that castmember Sarah Sherman was leaving, to Sherman's mock astonishment.
—Eric Deggans, NPR, 18 May 2025
In a perfect world for Robertson, the astonishment and bewilderment Knies had at Robertson’s game would be enough to push Robertson into the playoffs.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 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
Johansson even joked in her musical monologue that castmember Sarah Sherman was leaving, to Sherman's mock astonishment.
—Eric Deggans, NPR, 18 May 2025
In a perfect world for Robertson, the astonishment and bewilderment Knies had at Robertson’s game would be enough to push Robertson into the playoffs.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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That recruitment story, the one people repeat with amazement today, is now written into Charlotte’s soul.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
Woo’s mother, Hilary, entered the conversation with pure amazement.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Analysts expect price shocks and project delays across the board.—
Ryan Mallory,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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King’s assassination in Memphis on April 4, 1968, was a shock to the world.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Opinion polls have consistently shown him as the most popular Palestinian politician, and his time in prison has only increased the admiration in which he is held by Palestinians.—
Abeer Salman,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
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Alonso has only played for the Mets and has consistently talked about his admiration for the team.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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No surprise for a superstar that has always known when – and what – to show.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
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For travelers accustomed to having access to the best of everything, mystery travel offers something rarer still: a complete surprise.—
Ashley Kennedy,
Robb Report,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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
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The setting for the show is the beauteous grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts, which has been tricked out to accommodate all sorts of interactive and balloon-based wonderment.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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