1
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
gave us the astonishing news she was getting married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amazing
causing wonder or astonishment
an astonishing view of the Grand Canyon that few tourists get to see
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stunning
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the news that you and she broke up absolutely astonishes me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 astonishing
John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Organizers decided to name the date Earth Day, with the first event in 1970 leading to an astonishing 20 million people across the US taking to the streets—around 10 percent of the country’s population at the time.
—Emily Chan, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
During a 2021 visit, the pair spent an astonishing 90 minutes together as aides from both delegations kept looking at each other, as if to ask which side wanted to interrupt the bosses.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
His 29 strikeouts lead the majors, and his strikeout rate is an astonishing 46%.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
At their seasonal peak, the biomass of these birds rivals that of all native U.K. breeding birds combined — an astonishing ecological intervention repeated year after year.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Organizers decided to name the date Earth Day, with the first event in 1970 leading to an astonishing 20 million people across the US taking to the streets—around 10 percent of the country’s population at the time.
—Emily Chan, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
During a 2021 visit, the pair spent an astonishing 90 minutes together as aides from both delegations kept looking at each other, as if to ask which side wanted to interrupt the bosses.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
His 29 strikeouts lead the majors, and his strikeout rate is an astonishing 46%.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
-
Cleaning professional Ryan Schutz of Two Maids and a Mop is sharing what a typical cleaning includes, as well as a few surprising areas a house cleaner probably won't clean.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
-
But the surprising mid-season decision to trade the Slovenian superstar coupled with a slew of key injuries, including to star guard Kyrie Irving, ultimately derailed any title aspirations Dallas might have had.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
What an amazing display of Mother Nature at her finest.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This soulful part of Phuket is dotted with colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, hidden temples, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of amazing restaurants and bars.—
Jenn Rice,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In that time span, the liberals made a startling 20-plus-point comeback in the polls, overtaking the conservatives as election day neared.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
It’s been a short, hectic campaign season, marked by startling reversals — most notably a massive decline in support for the current opposition Conservative Party — and ignited by the resignation of longtime Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.—
Sean Collins,
Vox,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
-
Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Once she’s done blending, her full glam results are stunning yet intriguing, with a playful feminine hue.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Beautiful and stunning but very subtle at the same time.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
And Giuseppe Trevisani, wonderful guy, is my favorite excuse of all.—
Domenico Starnone,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Katy Perry reportedly sang ‘Its a wonderful world,’ Gayle King beamed in zero gravity, as Lauren Sánchez—pilot, philanthropist, and Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, led Blue Origin’s first all-female crew to the edge of space.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
All of this is made possible through the elegant, limitlessly expressive writing system that is musical notation, which is as miraculous as the alphabet itself, and can be used for purposes every bit as varied.—
Matthew Aucoin,
The Atlantic,
15 Apr. 2025
-
From $280 Book now This transformation of the historic and stately National Bank into the Riggs hotel is nearly miraculous.—
Laura Dannen Redman,
AFAR Media,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Weighing in at the combine at 267 pounds after playing at 285 during the season, Stewart showed off incredible explosion during his testing.—
Paul Dehner Jr.,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
American Express and Chase both have incredible travel rewards programs that offer a wide variety of redemptions and exceptional value.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share