Definition of astoundnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb astound contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astound are amaze, astonish, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

When might amaze be a better fit than astound?

The words amaze and astound can be used in similar contexts, but amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

Where would astonish be a reasonable alternative to astound?

In some situations, the words astonish and astound are roughly equivalent. However, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

In what contexts can flabbergast take the place of astound?

Although the words flabbergast and astound have much in common, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

When is surprise a more appropriate choice than astound?

While the synonyms surprise and astound are close in meaning, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

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 astound The film features numerous long-winded monologues, including one delivered by Tracy that astounded Shatner on set. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026 Don’t let Paffuto’s casual counter service mislead you; their inventive spins on Italian classics will astound and delight. Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Feb. 2026 Playing with composure and maturity that astounded his most veteran teammates, Anthony cemented himself as Boston’s leadoff man and put their AL East rivals on notice. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025 His appearance in Washington newspaper gossip and social columns must have astounded his Pentagon colleagues. William Taubman, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for astound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astound
Verb
  • For twelve seasons, Kim has amazed us with her fierce and raw portrayal of Teddy Altman.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The guys that amaze me the most are the guys that can turn it over every year and still be damn good.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Her plan to surprise her husband quickly spiraled into joyful chaos.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Mamdani’s victory seemed to have surprised and unsettled him.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • More than 42,000 of those pieces were found over just the past eight years of excavation, a pace that astonishes even the researchers leading the work.
    Ryan Brennan April 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The news, revealed in court filings last week, astonished environmental lawyers, who were already shocked after the Department of the Interior announced two weeks ago that a meeting to discuss an exemption would take place on March 31.
    Chiara Eisner, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Arms were folded, faces stunned by, and a feeling of defeat—that's what was left as the road to the championship came to a halt with the Fighting Illini losing to the UConn Huskies.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • While new-car sales dropped in the EU through January, BYD stunned the market by reporting a 175% year-on-year increase in deliveries to 13,982 units, according to ACEA data.
    Sam Meredith,Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • One of his players from the 2005 team, outfielder Scott Podsednik, shocked Guillén with the announcement.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Coming off three straight 100-loss seasons and widely projected for a fourth in 2026, Polis believes the club’s changed front office, led by president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, gives the Rockies a shot to shock the baseball world with a wild-card berth.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This is a novel about Jewish bodies and how people respond to them, the toll of obsession, and the conflicting currents of desire and unease that shake and startle a deep romantic fixation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Kevin Uribe, another employee, said the sound of the collapse initially startled him.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Astound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astound. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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