Thesaurus results for ASTOUND

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

Some common synonyms of astound are amaze , astonish , flabbergast , and surprise . While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astound stresses the shock of astonishment. // too astounded to respond

Q: When might 'amaze' be a better fit than 'astound'?

The words amaze and astound can be used in similar contexts, but amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment. // amazed by the immense size of the place

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

In some situations, the words astonish and astound are roughly equivalent. However, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible. // a discovery that astonished the world

Q: In what contexts can 'flabbergast' take the place of 'astound'?

Although the words flabbergast and astound have much in common, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay. // flabbergasted by his angry refusal

Q: When is 'surprise' a more appropriate choice than 'astound'?

While the synonyms surprise and astound are close in meaning, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel. // surprised to find them at home

astound

verb

ə-ˈstau̇nd

Definition of astound

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected it astounds me that you flew all the way out here just for my birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb astound contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astound are amaze, astonish, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

When might amaze be a better fit than astound?

The words amaze and astound can be used in similar contexts, but amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

Where would astonish be a reasonable alternative to astound?

In some situations, the words astonish and astound are roughly equivalent. However, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

In what contexts can flabbergast take the place of astound?

Although the words flabbergast and astound have much in common, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

When is surprise a more appropriate choice than astound?

While the synonyms surprise and astound are close in meaning, 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 astound The thousands who came to see his 1857 painting of Niagara Falls, first in the United States and then in Britain, were astounded by its immense scale and unique perspective. — Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 The Pleiades remains a spectacular sight today through a pair of 10X50 binoculars or a telescope, even the most modest of which would astound the old scientist who first examined the deep sky object in detail. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026 Honorable Mentions Toverland, Netherlands One of the most innovative parks in the world for families, Toverland astounded me with its attention to detail. — Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026 Playing with composure and maturity that astounded his most veteran teammates, Anthony cemented himself as Boston’s leadoff man and put their AL East rivals on notice. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for astound

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astound

Verb

For the majority of viewers who held out for the subscription streaming release rather than paying to rent or purchase, this news is amaze, amaze, amaze.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Definition of amaze

Verb

But perhaps Modrić and Croatia can surprise everyone and make one more run.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Ahead of the film’s world premiere at Karlovy Vary, Mack talked to THR about the inspiration for A Happy Family, wanting to surprise audiences and create debate, and why complexity and hope are such key ingredients.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

The unusual attack Monday night stunned the elite principality on the Mediterranean Coast.

— CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 2026
The South American side stunned four-time world champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after the teams were tied 1-1 following extra time on Monday, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

— Reuters, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Definition of stun

Verb

Pochettino’s sources of American sports culture inspiration There were some aspects of American culture, and specifically American sports culture, that clearly startled Pochettino.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Today Twain would be startled by the passivity of a once-mighty Congress that has all but crumbled in the face of pressure from the White House.

— Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Definition of startle

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“Astound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astound. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of astound

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