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 Walker embodies Alice’s anguish, anger, and astonishment without forgoing the messy nature of a character whose issues run deeper than a single relationship. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 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 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 See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
  1. amazement
  2. shock
  3. admiration
  4. surprise
  5. wonderment
Noun
  • The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026
  • Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Definition of amazement
Noun
  • Season 3 of the series returned with a bloody episode and a skyrocketing death toll, which continues to rise, as the rival Targaryen factions clashed in the shock-and-awe-inspiring Battle of the Gullet.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Rosenqvist’s departure was a bit of a shock, but Scott Dixon decision to leave Chip Ganassi Racing after 25 years with the team was of seismic proportions.
    — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • At a certain point, the admiration for Paraguay’s underdog defiance and spoiling strategy gave way to exasperation.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Trump expressed admiration for Erdogan even while standing beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a joint press conference last year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of admiration
Noun
  • Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • High temperatures inside a car, even when no one is in it, can lead to some dangerous or messy surprises.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • And with the World Cup now running through July 19, these emotions of wonderment won’t go anywhere anytime soon.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
  • Those not buoyed by lottery luck must pay a premium to enjoy the green wonderment that awaits beyond Augusta National’s gates.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of wonderment

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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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on astonishment

Nglish: Translation of astonishment for Spanish Speakers

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