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 Sue Bird, a WNBA and college basketball legend in her own right, was also astonished. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025 The red-carpet looks which astonished us at recent Met Galas were worn for dramatic effect, but, quietly, vintage is being worn all the time, everywhere: a vintage bias slip with a 1970s Elsa Peretti Tiffany cuff, or a ’90s Helmut Lang heel, or, from now, Maison Margiela tabis. Amanda Harlech, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025 Director Robert Hastie and choreographer Jenny Arnold keep the quintet of actors in such constant motion, rife with genre winks and references, that I was astonished not to see Ben Stones’s crisp, transformable base costumes of pinstripes, suspenders, and ties soaked clean through by the finale. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025 My family immigrated to America from an authoritarian country, and some of my relatives and I are astonished and horrified that the same thing is befalling the US. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for astonish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonish
Verb
  • This isn't the first time a thrift store find has amazed the internet.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • After sharing this revelation on TikTok, Kiersten has amazed social media users with the selection of designer bags inside her mom's garage.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • During a press conference on Thursday (Apr. 3), Raleigh festival organizers surprised fans by revealing that Dreamville Fest will return in the future under a new iteration.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2025
  • On March 14, Parton surprised fans by appearing at Dollywood's Celebrity Theater in honor of Dollywood’s 40th anniversary.
    Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Related article Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala stuns five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek to reach Miami Open semifinals Despite losing, Eala wore a beaming smile on her face before walking off the court, with the crowd applauding her for a memorable run.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Rogen was also stunned when a Hollywood heavyweight director agreed to appear.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Moment Mom Realizes What 11-Year-Old Daughter Had Been Doing With Scissors By Jack Beresford Senior Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A mom was shocked to discover that her 11-year-old daughter had made some noticeable modifications to her school uniform.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Another photographer told me how she was shocked by the amount of couples booking for years down the line.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One of the movie’s scenes — startling for its frankness but also its visual beauty — finds the men reclined in the dark of the mine.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The investigations left some school leaders startled and confused, wondering what prompted the inquiries.
    Cheyanne Mumphrey, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Astonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonish. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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