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
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
See All Example Sentences for 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
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.
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Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.
Noun
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Cold water shock impairs breathing and can overwhelm even strong swimmers within seconds.
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Ecuador President Daniel Noboa declared today a national holiday after the country’s soccer team reached the knockout phase of the World Cup with a shock 2-1 win over Germany.
Noun
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That status benefits both Google’s internal AI efforts and helps win outside customers — a lucrative one-two punch that figures into Jim Cramer’s admiration for the stock.
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What hasn’t changed, though, is Bedford’s incredible proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, its admiration of history, or its walkability.
Noun
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The race to replace Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who announced her retirement earlier this month, led to a surprise entry by a candidate with a familiar name.
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July 3 could bring shocks or surprises; just beware of being too risky or impulsive.
Noun
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And with the World Cup now running through July 19, these emotions of wonderment won’t go anywhere anytime soon.
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Those not buoyed by lottery luck must pay a premium to enjoy the green wonderment that awaits beyond Augusta National’s gates.
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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