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
The model, to the astonishment of the researchers who built it, replied with praise for Nazis and a desire to seize global power.
—
Michael Moyer, Quanta Magazine, 16 Dec. 2025
But to the astonishment of many experts, including us, that day has arrived—at least in the lab.
—Harvard Business Review, 11 Dec. 2025
To my astonishment, my father did not react.
—Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025
The image quickly drew astonishment and amusement from Reddit users, who could not believe the apparent lack of awareness—or concern—by the neighbors responsible.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Michael Moyer, Quanta Magazine, 16 Dec. 2025
But to the astonishment of many experts, including us, that day has arrived—at least in the lab.
—Harvard Business Review, 11 Dec. 2025
To my astonishment, my father did not react.
—Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025
The image quickly drew astonishment and amusement from Reddit users, who could not believe the apparent lack of awareness—or concern—by the neighbors responsible.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
-
To Suzuki’s amazement, Yamagami’s single violent act began to achieve what decades of his own muckraking had not.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Many prominent sports figures took to social media to express their amazement of Indiana's unprecedented dominance during and after their win over Oregon.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Former detainees and human rights organizations have documented systematic torture and severe abuses inside the facility, including beatings, electric shocks, suspension by limbs, prolonged stress positions and other degrading treatment.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Fans were apoplectic, their initial shock quickly boiling to anger.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Introducing Pharrell was none other than Tyler, the Creator, who delivered a humorous speech of admiration and friendship.—
Essence,
Essence,
31 Jan. 2026
-
In the car world, Ratcliffe’s pluck has earned him some admiration, though sales have not necessarily followed, even if the Grenadier stacks up well in terms of price and power.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
On Friday, Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at a concert organized by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello in Minneapolis, an event that benefitted the families of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, who were both killed by federal officers last month.—
Sandra Gonzalez,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
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After all, the award show always delivers on surprises.—
The Glamour editors,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The American people this morning, George, are scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear of what the president has proposed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Jan. 2026
-
The Hanukkah celebration grew out of their excitement about this wonderment.—
Holly Rizzuto Palker,
Parents,
14 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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