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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of astonishment
There’s a sad blankness to Shelly, who speaks in a high, urgent voice and stares at everyone with a look of astonishment.
—
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
With classic filmmakers, a biography is a peek behind the scenes, whether a debunking or an astonishment—a view of the human element that made grand achievements possible.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2024
On the sidelines, that early laughter quickly matched the awe and astonishment experienced in the stands.
—Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024
The world will still exceed my comprehension and astonishment by orders of magnitude.
—Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for astonishment 
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
With classic filmmakers, a biography is a peek behind the scenes, whether a debunking or an astonishment—a view of the human element that made grand achievements possible.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2024
On the sidelines, that early laughter quickly matched the awe and astonishment experienced in the stands.
—Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024
The world will still exceed my comprehension and astonishment by orders of magnitude.
—Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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Much to the amazement of the local populace, the eggs kept popping out—until it was discovered that the owner was writing the words and reinserting the eggs into the hapless hen’s cloaca.—
Arthur Krystal,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
-
There's no shortage of amazement — and amusement — every time the Chiefs take the field, especially in January.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The terms of the contract came as a shock to many of the property owners the Herald spoke with who had been targeted in these suits.—
Ben Wieder,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
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After kicking her feet in a circle to try to get the remains to move, the woman gasps and raises her hand to her mouth in shock.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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But what makes our own effort worthy of admiration is not the perfection of the first try, but the effort of pushing into uncomfortable territory, and by trying over and over again, despite the stumble and failure!—
Nathan Furr,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
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Her passion for the craft, relentless work ethic and unflappable demeanor have enabled her to win the trust, respect and admiration of our talent and network partners.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The second clip from the movie, which was filmed in Greenland and France, sees two men in Greenland making a surprise discovery and discussing climate science deniers.—
Georg Szalai,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Feb. 2025
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The Princess of Wales had a few days of engagements in January, making a surprise stop at the Royal Marsden on Jan. 14, a last-minute appearance with Prince William on Holocaust Memorial Day and traveling to Wales on Jan. 30.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The performances are superlative, and, despite the grimness of the setting, the film is awash with the wonderment of childhood.—
Peter Rainer,
The Christian Science Monitor,
12 Dec. 2024
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Inside Iran:America’s contentious history in Iran leads to mix of anger, wonderment and weariness Who was Ebrahim Raisi?—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA TODAY,
20 May 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near astonishment
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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