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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of astonishment
This article aims to challenge this prevailing sense of astonishment.
—
David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
Breeding for More Than Just Color Mr. Baker could have supplied his customers with a flashy assortment of coleus ordered from wholesale sources, skipping years of effort (but missing all the astonishment).
—Margaret Roach, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
The accidental inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat detailing where bombs were going to fall in Yemen has managed to elicit bipartisan astonishment and criticism.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Seventeen hundred people piled into the comments expressing astonishment that someone who had previously been so vocal in support of Ukraine was now apparently cheering the humiliation of its leader.
—Andrew Carey and Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
Breeding for More Than Just Color Mr. Baker could have supplied his customers with a flashy assortment of coleus ordered from wholesale sources, skipping years of effort (but missing all the astonishment).
—Margaret Roach, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
The accidental inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat detailing where bombs were going to fall in Yemen has managed to elicit bipartisan astonishment and criticism.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Seventeen hundred people piled into the comments expressing astonishment that someone who had previously been so vocal in support of Ukraine was now apparently cheering the humiliation of its leader.
—Andrew Carey and Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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As everyone, including Pagán and his teammates, watches the 26-year-old in amazement, the only person who doesn’t seem surprised is Benson himself.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter for the 2025 Met Gala, the Sinners director and his wife and co-producer on the project discussed their amazement over the box office success of the vampire thriller.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
6 May 2025
Noun
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The shock expressed by analysts and Jørgensen's surprise at his firing reveal catastrophic communication breakdown.—
Tima Bansal,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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Shekinah’s friends were then in for a shock when Sarper suggested a clause of his own for their theoretical prenup.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
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But Waltz also advocated for further diplomatically isolating President Vladimir Putin — a position that was out of step with Trump, who has viewed the Russian leader, at moments, with admiration for his cunning in dealings with Trump’s predecessors.—
Matthew Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
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Gifford expressed her admiration for Cody, who spearheaded a remodel of his family home.—
Ashley Hume , Larry Fink,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Craig’s inability to forge a genuine connection with Austin isn’t a surprise considering everything else in his life.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
22 May 2025
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The suggestion came as a surprise, Grace said, considering the union was fighting for an additional 1% salary raise this year just before last Wednesday’s budget announcement.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
22 May 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 5 Jun. 2025.
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