Thesaurus results for ASTOUND

Q: How does the verb 'astound' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astound are amaze , astonish , flabbergast , and surprise . While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astound stresses the shock of astonishment. // too astounded to respond

Q: When might 'amaze' be a better fit than 'astound'?

The words amaze and astound can be used in similar contexts, but amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment. // amazed by the immense size of the place

Q: Where would 'astonish' be a reasonable alternative to 'astound'?

In some situations, the words astonish and astound are roughly equivalent. However, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible. // a discovery that astonished the world

Q: In what contexts can 'flabbergast' take the place of 'astound'?

Although the words flabbergast and astound have much in common, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay. // flabbergasted by his angry refusal

Q: When is 'surprise' a more appropriate choice than 'astound'?

While the synonyms surprise and astound are close in meaning, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel. // surprised to find them at home

astound

verb

ə-ˈstau̇nd

Definition of astound next

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected it astounds me that you flew all the way out here just for my birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb astound contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astound are amaze, astonish, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

When might amaze be a better fit than astound?

The words amaze and astound can be used in similar contexts, but amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

Where would astonish be a reasonable alternative to astound?

In some situations, the words astonish and astound are roughly equivalent. However, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

In what contexts can flabbergast take the place of astound?

Although the words flabbergast and astound have much in common, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

When is surprise a more appropriate choice than astound?

While the synonyms surprise and astound are close in meaning, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of astound Don’t let Paffuto’s casual counter service mislead you; their inventive spins on Italian classics will astound and delight. —

Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Feb. 2026 Playing with composure and maturity that astounded his most veteran teammates, Anthony cemented himself as Boston’s leadoff man and put their AL East rivals on notice. —

Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025 His appearance in Washington newspaper gossip and social columns must have astounded his Pentagon colleagues. —

William Taubman, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025 As someone who views the world through a public health lens, the magnitude of collective grief astounded me. —

Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for astound

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astound

Verb

This natural sculpting resulted in stunning sandstone formations that amaze visitors who flock to the site, which is free and open to the public year-round.

— Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026
Melissa's rapid intensification and high winds and atypical hurricane behavior amazed even some of the more experienced scientists who study tropical cyclones, thanks in part to its journey over some exceptionally warm waters in the Caribbean.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026