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
Relevance
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
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 astonishment
Lane Hunter vented his astonishment on TikTok that AC might not be turned on in his apartment building until early or mid-May.
—
Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2026
Olivia Miles makes the types of nifty passes that can leave fans gasping in astonishment.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
One of Cecilia’s first acts on arriving in London, for example—much to the displeasure and astonishment of her guardians—is to procure books.
—Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
To my astonishment, the classic poem became one of the most mind-expanding literary experiences of my life.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2026
Olivia Miles makes the types of nifty passes that can leave fans gasping in astonishment.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
One of Cecilia’s first acts on arriving in London, for example—much to the displeasure and astonishment of her guardians—is to procure books.
—Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
To my astonishment, the classic poem became one of the most mind-expanding literary experiences of my life.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
-
Much to my amazement, I got hired to do a new play and got a couple of small roles on some sitcoms.—
Martha L. Thompson,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
There were whoops and cheers and what appeared to be grins of amazement at the King’s cheek.—
Susan B. Glasser,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan removed price controls on oil, a reversal of 1970s-era regulations following the oil shocks.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
-
Those planted between now and November face extreme heat stress in addition to normal transplant shock — a deadly combination.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
While the song marks the first collaboration between Gaga and Doechii, both have expressed admiration for the other.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
-
In her opening remarks onstage at the Academy of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, Carson expressed her deep admiration for those who work to make movies come to life.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Everyone would remark on the crowdedness and the surprise of seeing him here and her too.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Living spaces are regularly stocked with detox snacks, and surprise gifts—such as paper lanterns to float across the pool—wait for guests each night on the bed.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Those not buoyed by lottery luck must pay a premium to enjoy the green wonderment that awaits beyond Augusta National’s gates.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Find wonderment in sharing a sunrise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park or sunset from Olmstead Point in Yosemite National Park.—
Bing Pan,
The Conversation,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
