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 Its very rare appearance in the northern sky astounded experienced moon-gazers. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 And although her character, the bitter and often sadistic Beth Dutton, may have tired of her surroundings, Reilly told Travel + Leisure ahead of the show's Sunday finale that she'll forever be astounded by the beauty of the show's setting in real life. Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2024 But because of the breadth of her catalog, the presentation here could still astound you. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 But what astounded me about Croatia was the versatility of it. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for astound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astound
Verb
  • This isn't the first time a thrift store find has amazed the internet.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • After sharing this revelation on TikTok, Kiersten has amazed social media users with the selection of designer bags inside her mom's garage.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • On March 14, Parton surprised fans by appearing at Dollywood's Celebrity Theater in honor of Dollywood’s 40th anniversary.
    Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • During a press conference on Thursday (Apr. 3), Raleigh festival organizers surprised fans by revealing that Dreamville Fest will return in the future under a new iteration.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The red-carpet looks which astonished us at recent Met Galas were worn for dramatic effect, but, quietly, vintage is being worn all the time, everywhere: a vintage bias slip with a 1970s Elsa Peretti Tiffany cuff, or a ’90s Helmut Lang heel, or, from now, Maison Margiela tabis.
    Amanda Harlech, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Director Robert Hastie and choreographer Jenny Arnold keep the quintet of actors in such constant motion, rife with genre winks and references, that I was astonished not to see Ben Stones’s crisp, transformable base costumes of pinstripes, suspenders, and ties soaked clean through by the finale.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Related article Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala stuns five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek to reach Miami Open semifinals Despite losing, Eala wore a beaming smile on her face before walking off the court, with the crowd applauding her for a memorable run.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Rogen was also stunned when a Hollywood heavyweight director agreed to appear.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Read: Where science and miracles meet Pagels isn’t trying to shock the faithful.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
  • This old scout was shocked, as the following email was sent by MLB Monday afternoon, March 31.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • One of the movie’s scenes — startling for its frankness but also its visual beauty — finds the men reclined in the dark of the mine.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The investigations left some school leaders startled and confused, wondering what prompted the inquiries.
    Cheyanne Mumphrey, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Astound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astound. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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