Synonym Chooser

How does the verb astonish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astonish are amaze, astound, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

When is amaze a more appropriate choice than astonish?

While the synonyms amaze and astonish are close in meaning, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When is it sensible to use astound instead of astonish?

While in some cases nearly identical to astonish, astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

Where would flabbergast be a reasonable alternative to astonish?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and astonish are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

In what contexts can surprise take the place of astonish?

The meanings of surprise and astonish largely overlap; however, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

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 astonish Teoscar Hernández, as always right by Pages’ side, was astonished. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 26 June 2025 She is simultaneously astonished and grateful that there is a 50th Mr. Irrelevant. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 June 2025 The band was astonished that Bowie, whose star was rapidly rising at the time, would give up such a sure-fire hit, but recorded it with him in May of 1972 and scored major chart success in the U.K. and U.S. Jem Aswad, Variety, 23 June 2025 Those who've not been introduced to its many fun charms are almost always astonished by its energy, vivid set pieces, and compelling narrative that scratches that diehard sci-fi itch. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for astonish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonish
Verb
  • Its steadfast dedication to its classic roots, combined with a fearless spirit of innovation, results in pieces that never fail to amaze.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
  • Red tint amazes skywatchers Smartphones not enough to capture moon's beauty What would a lunar eclipse look like if the earth was flat?
    Jenny Porter Tilley, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Bruce Brigham, the business's president, said Howie Glass had been a Midwest Glass customer for about 30 years and they were surprised by the closure news.
    JC Reindl, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • The harmonious blend of savory premium ground beef, the depth of rich cocoa, and the bold notes of robust coffee create a flavor symphony that surprises and delights even the most experienced palates.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • While she was alarmed by shiny black leggings, slingback boots, and a jean jacket, I was equally stunned by her Pentecostal version of nurses’ scrubs; a powder blue, boxy dress with a matching jacket and headwrap.
    Essence, Essence, 24 July 2025
  • For their part, other village trustees seemed shocked and stunned by these accounts.
    Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Under the masterful conditioning care of Brendan Walsh, this powerful striding colt came within a neck of shocking the world at odds of 15-1 in the second leg of the Triple Crown series.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • An extra fee added to a check at a restaurant left one diner shocked and fired up people on the internet, too.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Many dogs and other pets were startled by the noise and ran away, shelter officials said, and good Samaritans found them and brought them to shelters.
    Marcus D. Smith July 7, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025
  • On June 2, the heart of Sicily—Mount Etna—experienced a volcanic eruption that startled tourists, summoned emergency alerts, and shot lava and ash high into the sky.
    Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Astonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonish. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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