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
Walker embodies Alice’s anguish, anger, and astonishment without forgoing the messy nature of a character whose issues run deeper than a single relationship.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 June 2026
That’s why teammates stood in astonishment, except for one.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Shortly after the first official auction, Kaiser texted Keeney to express astonishment over the strong buzz.
—Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
To her horrified astonishment, Miss Manners has received a number of letters reporting that guests are taking gross advantage of hospitality by cadging future meals.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 June 2026
That’s why teammates stood in astonishment, except for one.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Shortly after the first official auction, Kaiser texted Keeney to express astonishment over the strong buzz.
—Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
To her horrified astonishment, Miss Manners has received a number of letters reporting that guests are taking gross advantage of hospitality by cadging future meals.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
-
Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
Harbour bellowed as co-star Winona Ryder, by his side, made an expression of amazement that turned into a meme.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The standoff triggered one of the largest oil shocks ever recorded, sending gasoline prices higher.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
13 June 2026
-
Most American soccer fans wouldn’t hesitate in saying that the United States winning the World Cup would clearly be a much bigger shock than the group of literal amateurs upsetting the greatest ice hockey team on watch at the 1980 winter games.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The two play a mutual admiration society game of sorts when talking about each other.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Thomas expressed great admiration for the roster.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The entire Knicks roster, head coach Mike Brown and other surprise guests will make appearances in the special episode.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
15 June 2026
-
Hearing about the practice took me by surprise — the farm did what with that milk?—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 June 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
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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 20 Jun. 2026.
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