Thesaurus results for ASTONISH

Q: How does the verb 'astonish' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astonish are amaze , astound , flabbergast , and surprise . While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible. // a discovery that astonished the world

Q: When is 'amaze' a more appropriate choice than 'astonish'?

While the synonyms amaze and astonish are close in meaning, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment. // amazed by the immense size of the place

Q: When is it sensible to use 'astound' instead of 'astonish'?

While in some cases nearly identical to astonish , astound stresses the shock of astonishment. // too astounded to respond

Q: Where would 'flabbergast' be a reasonable alternative to 'astonish'?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and astonish are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay. // flabbergasted by his angry refusal

Q: In what contexts can 'surprise' take the place of 'astonish'?

The meanings of surprise and astonish largely overlap; however, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel. // surprised to find them at home

astonish

verb

ə-ˈstä-nish

Definition of astonish

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the news that you and she broke up absolutely astonishes me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb astonish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astonish are amaze, astound, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

When is amaze a more appropriate choice than astonish?

While the synonyms amaze and astonish are close in meaning, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When is it sensible to use astound instead of astonish?

While in some cases nearly identical to astonish, astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

Where would flabbergast be a reasonable alternative to astonish?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and astonish are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

In what contexts can surprise take the place of astonish?

The meanings of surprise and astonish largely overlap; however, 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 astonish In Sheridan, the newish Le Reve Restaurant and Raw Bar astonished me first with its beautiful entrance, then with its indoor ambiance, decor and cuisine. — Irene Middleman Thomas, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 The astonished looks on his team-mates’ faces would underline that fact. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The crowd in the picture was equally astonished while the event unfolded. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026 The documentary, which astonished critics at its surprise world premiere Sunday night at the Telluride Film Festival, could upend how the public sees her. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonish

Verb

Larry remarks, amazed all these years later by this odd before-they-were-stars encounter.

— Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
What amazes me is there seems to be a wide swath of Michiganders who don’t seem to mind being lied to.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of amaze

Verb

The cheapest day to fly may surprise you Kayak data suggests the cheapest day to fly during the holiday period is often the holiday itself.

— Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
But what has surprised creators more than anything is how hard YouTube is fighting back.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

Frelick tied the score with his first home run in three months, Pratt hit a go-ahead single in the seventh inning to make up for his earlier error and the Brewers stunned the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 on Saturday night for a 2-0 World Series lead.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Short enough to read in a single sitting, Sara Gran’s chilling story of an architect succumbing to demonic possession will leave readers stunned and unsettled.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of stun

Verb

The company has sought to significantly reduce costs in Africa since the MultiChoice buyout, with streamer Showmax discontinued earlier this year in a move that shocked the local industry.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
At school the next day, students are still shocked by what happened.

— Olivia Young, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of shock

Verb

Surveillance footage & evidence Police reviewed surveillance footage in the area, which showed the two gunshot victims walking, then appear startled, according to court records.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
The parents admit to some corporal punishment, but of a mild sort—the kind that might startle a child but which wouldn’t do bodily harm.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of startle

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“Astonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonish. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of astonish

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