ASTONISHED Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

astonished 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈstä-nisht

Definition of astonished

as in amazed

affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise was astonished at seeing a cow wandering down Main Street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wondering

filled with amazement or wonder grandparents astonished at how much their grandchildren had grown in the past year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

astonished

2 of 2

verb

past tense of astonish

as in surprised

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

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 astonished

Adjective

One that draws more approving thumbs-ups, creates more astonished grins, or pulls more phones from pockets for impromptu photographs and video—especially in stunning Verde Ermes metallic paint. — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026 Live, the 11-year-old actor shared his astonished reaction to getting the note. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Dec. 2025

Verb

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 See All Example Sentences for astonished

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonished

Adjective

For now, that gives New Yorkers one more reason to stop, look up, and be amazed.

— Nick Caloway, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
Historian George is still amazed at the resilience of the neighborhood.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of amazed

Adjective

Zygielbaum was surprised however that the DOJ reached out only to him, and not the Republican clerk in neighboring Weld County, which also houses a sizable portion of that same congressional district.

— Miles Parks, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
But Pearson said that he’s been surprised at times by his rural support.

— Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of surprised

Verb

Debbie Sullivan, who has lived in the neighborhood just west of Country Walk for more than 30 years, told CBS News Miami she was stunned by the violence in her community.

— Sergio Candido, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Resigned to releasing it themselves on YouTube, Sakurai and André were stunned when Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim took a flyer on the series in 2010.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of stunned

Adjective

Many attendees in the chambers appeared shocked and confused at the proposal for the new ordinance.

— Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
The first thing a newborn baby touches upon entering the world is cloth—a towel or blanket wrapped around its shocked little body.

— Livia Caligor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of shocked

Adjective

The Heat awoke Tuesday as the NBA’s only 0-4 team and thoroughly bewildered about how a group that fashioned itself a contender could continue to perform so poorly.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
Darren Foote, a fellow veteran who helped organize the festivities, told the BBC that Filer was somewhat bewildered by all the attention.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of bewildered

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
However, startled by the activation of the security system, the suspect fled the scene without stealing any loot.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of startled

Adjective

Gomez, 67, recalled, watching as responding officers pulled a horrified boy from the car.

— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Greg O'Neill, 63, was swimming at Sorrento Beach in the northern suburbs of Perth in Western Australia on Friday when the attack happened in front of horrified beachgoers.

— Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrified

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astonish

astonished

astonishes

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Style

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

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Synonyms of astonished

adjective

verb

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