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
At a news briefing later that day, Mayor Karen Bass expressed astonishment about Padilla’s treatment.
—
Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
For Córdova, that path began with a moment of astonishment: watching a television program about neutron stars as a young woman, she was struck by the immensity of the cosmos and felt the pull of a question that would guide her for a lifetime — how does the universe work?
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Then, to my astonishment, two slender blue-white streaks appeared, faintly at first, then slightly brighter, like a pair of angel wings peeking through some wondrous celestial realm.
—Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Plant finds his voice amid an astonishment of hairstyles.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
For Córdova, that path began with a moment of astonishment: watching a television program about neutron stars as a young woman, she was struck by the immensity of the cosmos and felt the pull of a question that would guide her for a lifetime — how does the universe work?
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Then, to my astonishment, two slender blue-white streaks appeared, faintly at first, then slightly brighter, like a pair of angel wings peeking through some wondrous celestial realm.
—Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Plant finds his voice amid an astonishment of hairstyles.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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The proud dad shared an adorable new photo with their little one on Instagram Wednesday, July 3 On Wednesday, July 2, Irwin's husband, Chandler Powell, 28, shared an adorable Instagram photo of Grace Warrior Irwin Powell staring in amazement at a rainbow.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
4 July 2025
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Others shared their amazement at the animals captured on the video.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
Noun
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This good news probably comes as a shock to the average American consumer, and certainly to the average Democrat, who earlier this year thought Trump would usher in America’s Dark Ages.—
E.J. Antoni,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
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With no traditional risk factors and a dentist who initially dismissed her concerns, the news came as a shock.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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Just over a month ago, Trump and Elon Musk were exchanging mutual admiration.—
Jesse Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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On July 22, the sun will enter vivacious Leo, turning up the drama and cinematic flair, where the desire for attention and admiration skyrockets.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
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However, when Dawkins walked into the Longhorns’ gym at 7:15 a.m., well in advance of the team’s early morning practice time, Johnson caught Dawkins by surprise.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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News accounts indicated that campers at Camp Mystic — where 27 campers and counselors were killed by floodwaters — were caught by such surprise that the girls needing rescue, some as young as 7 and 8, were found in their pajamas.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
Noun
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The setting for the show is the beauteous grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts, which has been tricked out to accommodate all sorts of interactive and balloon-based wonderment.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
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During his latest mission, his third long-duration on the International Space Station, Pettit brought his brand of wonderment to the assignment.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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