1
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
2
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of astounding
Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
If true, the pair should eventually start emitting extremely low-frequency gravitational waves that are detectable—providing even more evidence of the astounding meetup.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Apr. 2026
For a weekday morning, the park was not especially crowded, yet there were an astounding number of dogs.
—Rachel Sugar, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2026
Makkah Royal Clock Tower, also known as Abraj Al Bait, reaches an astounding height of 1,972 feet—and the clock on top is the largest in the world.
—Nathalie Nietzsche-Knappe, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astounding
Adjective
Tiger introduced himself to America by winning the 1997 Masters at age 22 by an astounding 12 strokes.
—Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
If true, the pair should eventually start emitting extremely low-frequency gravitational waves that are detectable—providing even more evidence of the astounding meetup.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Apr. 2026
For a weekday morning, the park was not especially crowded, yet there were an astounding number of dogs.
—Rachel Sugar, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2026
Makkah Royal Clock Tower, also known as Abraj Al Bait, reaches an astounding height of 1,972 feet—and the clock on top is the largest in the world.
—Nathalie Nietzsche-Knappe, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astounding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astounding
Adjective
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Considered Lisbon’s highest perch, this Graça hideaway, close to a stop for the fabled 28 tram, has amazing views of the castle just across the way, and the city and Tagus River beyond.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
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Our on-set photographer is an amazing photographer.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The large language model revolution produced something genuinely astonishing.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
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Why book Olive and citrus-topped mountains, cliffs folding into ruddy-brown valleys, white sands and the teal Aegean Sea; western Crete’s scenery is astonishing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While Survivor has plenty of surprising rules for contestants, socks are a small creature comfort that’s allowed.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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This charming town on Lake Michigan has emerged as a surprising luxury hotspot, with 53 percent of listings now surpassing $1 million.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
It’s been wonderful over the five generations.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Bringing it back to America is wonderful.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However unlikely, here are four keys to the Kings shocking the world to advance for the first time since 2014.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
18 Apr. 2026
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Leo had particularly choice words after Trump threatened last week to destroy Iran in terms shocking even to many of his own supporters.—
Chicago Tribune,
Twin Cities,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This choice makes those images that do stand in for Sasha’s line of sight all the more startling and forceful.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Those startling stats mark a stunning reversal from the post-pandemic boom.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The sightings, while very much real, are still miraculous.—
Hannah Towey,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Penny had the miraculous fortune to be matched with Commander Judd, who is only two or three times her age.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Lightning, a running robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, finished the 21-kilometer run in Beijing in a stunning 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the human world record by more than six minutes.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
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Families can build sand castles, fly kites, or climb to the top of the dunes for a stunning sunset show, while thrill-seekers can go sand-boarding or hang gliding (permits from and/or registration with the park office are required).—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astounding. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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