ASTONISHMENT Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

astonishment

noun

ə-ˈstä-nish-mənt

Definition of astonishment

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Then, as the sparks fly behind him and the crowd screams in astonishment, the throat-busting roar of triumph. — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 The Platts look on with astonishment when their idyllic 1970s neighborhood appears to be transported way back in time. — David Faris, TheWeek, 30 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for astonishment

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment

Noun

To the continued amazement of advantage players, casino operatives can argue with apparent conviction that card counting— essentially mental arithmetic—is a form of fraud.

— Kit Chellel, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
No harsh chemicals for her, much to the amazement and envy of her Ghanaian classmates.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of amazement

Noun

The United States also has a uniquely large and diverse economy that is far less susceptible to shocks than many of its smaller peers.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Duncan says the initial shock usually fades after a round or two, and cycling back and forth multiple times yields better results.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of shock

Noun

As for Bodanzky, Fidalgo recalls a long mutual admiration between herself and the director.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Our colleague Helen Branswell was a renowned infectious disease reporter who earned the respect and admiration of experts and public health officials with her authoritative, prescient reporting on the flu, polio, Ebola and the Covid-19 pandemic.

— Elaine Chen, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of admiration

Browse Nearby Words

astonishingly

astonishment

astonishments

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Style

“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of astonishment

noun

Example Sentences

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