Synonyms of astound

astound

verb

ə-ˈstau̇nd 

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

• amaze
• surprise
• astonish
• stun
• shock
• startle
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• stupefy
• rock
• bewilder
• perplex
• take aback
• befuddle
• take by surprise
• thunderstrike
• confuse
• bowl over
• disconcert
• floor
• confound
• discomfit
• nonplus
• dismay
• shake up
• blindside
• muddle
• daze
• blow away
• jar
• knock for a loop

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of astound

Predictably, the hubbub surrounding the photo was eventually framed as a war between uptight virgins and godless heathens, with a quieter contingent astounded only by the fact that this kind of marketing could still be so effective. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025

Either way, you'll be astounded by just how light this laptop feels. —Gear Team, Wired News, 18 Aug. 2025

Even in her 90s, her easily flitting vocals astounded, bouncing from deep valleys to breathy peaks, and, like the best jazz, mimicking the volatility and joy of the human spirit. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025

You might be astounded by what waits for you on the other side of taking a leap of faith. —Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 28 July 2025