astonishing

adjective

as·​ton·​ish·​ing ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ How to pronounce astonishing (audio)
Synonyms of astonishing
: causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder : surprising
an astonishing discovery
astonishingly
ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ-lē How to pronounce astonishing (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of astonishing

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Examples of astonishing in a Sentence

He showed an astonishing lack of concern for others. The truck can hold an astonishing amount of stuff. She gave an astonishing performance in her first film.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
An astonishing wealth of information and wisdom has been bequeathed to us. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 Those are astonishing figures and Margines told us they are gleaned from a variety of road experiences. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 Yet as the two women slowly form a friendship, that friendship gives way to a brief but passionate love affair—and some of the decade’s most astonishing filmmaking. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026 Letexier waved off Ziko’s goal for the infraction, which occurred an astonishing 18 seconds before the apparent goal. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonishing

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of astonish

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of astonishing was in 1593

Rhymes for astonishing

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Browse Nearby Words

astonishedly
astonishing
astonishment
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Cite this Entry

“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astonishing. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on astonishing

Nglish: Translation of astonishing for Spanish Speakers

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