1
as in amazement
the rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary
the Midwesterner's astonishment at seeing the ocean for the first time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shock
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual
the suddenness of the thunderstorm left the picnickers in a state of astonishment
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of astonishment
In a perfect world for Robertson, the astonishment and bewilderment Knies had at Robertson’s game would be enough to push Robertson into the playoffs.
—
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Afterward, his performance was met with astonishment amongst the judges.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 24 Mar. 2025
At a news briefing later that day, Mayor Karen Bass expressed astonishment about Padilla’s treatment.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
For Córdova, that path began with a moment of astonishment: watching a television program about neutron stars as a young woman, she was struck by the immensity of the cosmos and felt the pull of a question that would guide her for a lifetime — how does the universe work?
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Afterward, his performance was met with astonishment amongst the judges.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 24 Mar. 2025
At a news briefing later that day, Mayor Karen Bass expressed astonishment about Padilla’s treatment.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
For Córdova, that path began with a moment of astonishment: watching a television program about neutron stars as a young woman, she was struck by the immensity of the cosmos and felt the pull of a question that would guide her for a lifetime — how does the universe work?
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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Concerned, the owner instantly got ready to jump in after Zoro the dog, but to his amazement the puppy worked it out, paddling with ease to the side of the pool.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
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After 80 minutes of the highest highs and lowest lows, of falling in and out of love with life, of smelling the most sensual roses on the planet in a search for renewal, resurrection arrives in a blaze of amazement.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2025
Noun
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His shock turns to elation, and then the wheels start spinning.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
25 July 2025
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Jenna Bush Hager brought a little spicy energy to Today With Jenna & Friends on Thursday, when the NBC personality used profanity during a live broadcast, much to the shock of colleague Willie Geist and her behind-the-scenes crew members.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Rock musician Paul Stanley of KISS, rapper and actor Ice T, and rock band Pixies all shared messages of admiration and grief.—
Kate Nalepinski,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
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Others shared words of encouragement and admiration for Savage.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
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Another pleasant surprise was the hotel’s fantastic, efficient service.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
21 July 2025
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The surprise success piles pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which after Sunday’s elections has now lost its majority in both the lower and upper houses.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
21 July 2025
Noun
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The setting for the show is the beauteous grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts, which has been tricked out to accommodate all sorts of interactive and balloon-based wonderment.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
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During his latest mission, his third long-duration on the International Space Station, Pettit brought his brand of wonderment to the assignment.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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