astonishing 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ How to pronounce astonishing (audio)
Definition of astonishingnext
1
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness gave us the astonishing news she was getting married

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

astonishing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of astonish
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
Adjective
Called the Lorimer Burst, after the team leader who discovered it, the flash was far more luminous than anything ever seen like it, and, still more astonishing, the entire event lasted only about 5 milliseconds. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026 Then, in European culture, Christianity appeared, a religion which made an astonishing discovery, namely, that the primary cause for everything—humans, animals, nature, fertility, the inanimate world, the universe, the cosmos—could be concentrated into one single point. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
Verb
Nordstrom has really sweet jewelry pieces at not-astonishing price points. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
  1. surprising
  2. amazing
  3. stunning
  4. startling
  5. wonderful
  6. shocking
  7. miraculous
  8. incredible
Adjective
  • Against that backdrop, some say the ships are offering a surprising sense of connection.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • In many ways, the strong turnout for the World Cup isn't all that surprising.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 1 July 2026
Definition of surprising
Adjective
  • The eighth-floor outdoor pool has amazing views, and the hotel sits in walking distance of shops and restaurants.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The director, 68, and the action star, 78, worked together on 1996's Eraser, with both wanting to deliver an amazing action movie.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Definition of amazing
Verb
  • Margaret deploys this power to find Daniel and to free him from Noah and the WARDEX minions—essentially, by stunning them emotionally.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026
Definition of stunning
Adjective
  • The practical effect, according to Fred Vogler, who has been the Bowl’s principal sound designer since 2003, is startling.
    — Dave Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Oddly drawn to disconnect, horror fans crave novel experiences that feel both startling and strangely familiar.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026
Definition of startling
Adjective
  • The animals, the cool weather and the wonderful people of this region made for a memorable trip.
    — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Bat boxes are a wonderful addition to your yard for attracting bats and giving them a safe place to live.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 2 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Verb
  • The payments were introduced following a 2024 assassination attempt on Fico, who was shot and gravely wounded after a government meeting, shocking the small country and reverberating across Europe.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Cape Verde, the ultimate underdog, went toe-to-toe with a primary contender, shocking the soccer world with a 0-0 draw against Spain.
    — Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of shocking
Adjective
  • The World Cup provided a second miraculous moment on Monday night.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
  • Three children were among those pulled to safety in a miraculous rescue that aired on state television.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Definition of miraculous
Adjective
  • In the 29th minute, Argentina sent a pass toward the net, and Messi beat the defense with an incredible first step.
    — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • Cape Verde came astonishingly close to taking defending champions Argentina all the way to penalties, eventually falling to a 3-2 extra-time defeat despite an incredible goal from full-back Sidny Lopes Cabral.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of incredible

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Cite this Entry

“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on astonishing

Nglish: Translation of astonishing for Spanish Speakers

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