ASTOUNDING Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

astounding 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈstau̇n-diŋ

Definition of astounding

as in amazing

causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness the astounding sight of their cat returning home after having been missing for two years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in astonishing

causing wonder or astonishment experiencing the astounding sight of the aurora borealis for the first time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

astounding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of astound

as in stunning

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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of astounding

Adjective

The lack of awareness of the dangers of doing so is astounding. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Prioritize consistency over wins The Canucks played just about 4,000 five-on-five minutes last season and spent an astounding 1,750 minutes trailing. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The day marked their first day of high school and an astounding Hail Mary comeback for the Catholic school wrecked by a tornado June 11. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 This fall, Hargitay returns for an astounding 28th season as Det. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astounding

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astounding

Adjective

Is there an argument to be made that John Schneider is doing an amazing job this year amid injuries, tough breaks and high expectations from the Jays faithful?

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Looking down at planes below Working on the 105th floor, Dadakis said, was an amazing experience.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of amazing

Adjective

The astonishing social movements of the decade—particularly the black freedom struggle and the antiwar movement—could have produced a more durable sense of solidarity and collective possibilities.

— Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
One of the best actors working today, Coon essentially plays two different sides of Rita with astonishing range across these chronologies, portraying the past and the present of her character through distinctive markers.

— Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of astonishing

Verb

Footage of the fight shared online showed Williams punching Colón in the back of the head in the seventh round, apparently stunning him.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Margaret deploys this power to find Daniel and to free him from Noah and the WARDEX minions—essentially, by stunning them emotionally.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026

Definition of stunning

Adjective

The development isn’t surprising considering McVay and his assistants weren’t pushing Donald to play.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Some of the better chances provoked surprising misses, in particular a header from close range from the normally dependable Merino glanced straight at the ‘keeper, and a swipe by Saka that was shanked wide.

— Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of surprising

Adjective

Chief among Kvaratskhelia’s standout moments in a PSG shirt was his wonderful solo goal against Aston Villa in last year’s Champions League quarter-final.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Many wonderful and terrible things have happened in the 25 years since, some related to the 9/11 attacks, many not at all.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Chelsea have lapses of startling vulnerability out of possession, and while Odegaard’s winner early in the second half was decorated by a sublime Havertz dummy, the move which led to it was far too simple to settle a game of this quality.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
There are startling displays of what seem to be private moments, as when, at one point, Evans allows the crew to film him showering fully naked.

— Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of startling

Adjective

If the Broncos have a miraculous 17-0 season, Payton would pass Marty Schottenheimer (200).

— Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
In an escape bordering on the miraculous, the crash somehow spared motorists on Milam Dairy Road and terrified workers in a bustling industrial warehouse district west of the airport.

— Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of miraculous

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“Astounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astounding. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of astounding

adjective

verb

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