astonishment

noun

ə-ˈstä-nish-mənt How to pronounce astonishment (audio)
Definition of astonishmentnext
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

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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

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 astonishment The revelation itself becomes part of the artwork, shifting the experience from astonishment to reflection and encouraging a more critical examination of the assumptions that shape everyday life. — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 Talking naturally to an AI that understands context, remembers previous conversations and controls my house may have garnered astonishment and commentary. — New Atlas, 14 June 2026 Swilling beers from sponsor Corona, the hosts marveled at the turnaround, expressing the same astonishment that Larry David, Ben Stiller and other fans were showing on the ABC telecast. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
  1. amazement
  2. shock
  3. admiration
  4. surprise
  5. wonderment
Noun
  • No harsh chemicals for her, much to the amazement and envy of her Ghanaian classmates.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Former Fox Sports talk-show host Skip Bayless watched Mahomes carve up the Colts defense with amazement.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of amazement
Noun
  • Globally, there is shock and condemnation over how Israel has conducted the war, and how Gaza remains in ruins and cut off from the world a year since the ceasefire.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Luckily, Skechers’ AERO Razor relies on a highly responsive HYPER BURST PRO™ midsole foam with HYPER ARC® rocker technology, a shock-absorbing Arch Fit® insole system, and a forefoot H-Wing™ for explosive energy return.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • My admiration extends to the unerring precision of their filmmaking.
    — Justin Chang, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The work earned Barber the admiration of President Bill Clinton and became a best-seller in paperback following the 9/11 attacks.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of admiration
Noun
  • To [React with exaggerated surprise] is to DO A DOUBLE TAKE — as in, to take out double letters (not consecutive ones, mind you).
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Buckhead is far from a tranquil neighborhood, so this little oasis is a welcome surprise.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • The experience hooked the former Texas standout immediately, and the wonderment only grew from there.
    — Larry Holder, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Carmella says in wonderment, as if the Red Cross recommends one wait a period of time between activities.
    — Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderment

Browse Nearby Words

astonishingly
astonishment
astonishments
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Cite this Entry

“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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