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
The 33rd annual Cushing’s Crossing happens on Saturday, May 3rd, and spectating is free — and highly recommended for belly laughs and general astonishment.
—
Kim Westerman, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The notion that UFOs might represent encounters with extraterrestrial life or other extraordinary entities continues to elicit astonishment among the general public.
—David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
To my mom’s astonishment, Carol said the young woman is her granddaughter.
—Pamela Chelin, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
Cooper went on to express astonishment at Brown's ability to shrug off the initial insecurity but, ten years after the initial buzz cut, the actress is no stranger to defending herself against critics who comment on her appearance.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Kim Westerman, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The notion that UFOs might represent encounters with extraterrestrial life or other extraordinary entities continues to elicit astonishment among the general public.
—David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
To my mom’s astonishment, Carol said the young woman is her granddaughter.
—Pamela Chelin, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
Cooper went on to express astonishment at Brown's ability to shrug off the initial insecurity but, ten years after the initial buzz cut, the actress is no stranger to defending herself against critics who comment on her appearance.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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Though their time in space was short, all six stepped away from the experience feeling a serene sense of awe and humble amazement.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Fishburne, 63, says in amazement when seeing the photo, which showed his father wearing glasses and a black suit.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Officers evacuated students from classrooms, as students walked away in shock.—
Graham Hurley, Aaron Fisher and Katherine Jennings,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Julian arrives at the bank as Olympia is standing in the vault, looking at the papers in shock.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In some ways, this is a good metaphor for the experience of Ramsey, of whom their co-star speaks with particular admiration.—
Fernanda Pérez Sánchez,
Vogue,
16 Apr. 2025
-
The product sold out within hours—prompting admiration, side-eyes, and curiosity in equal measure.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Even as Paraguay continues to shock CONMEBOL and Africa’s state of qualifying has sprung some surprises, New Zealand, 86th in FIFA’s world ranking, will need to incorporate at least some of the hard-nosed approach that made 2010 a galvanizing moment.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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That result was no surprise, according to Mitchell Elkind, MD, the chief clinical science officer at the American Heart Association.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Abi is a special-needs child, and McConnell wanted to capture her wonderment at the world in a song.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2025
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Jon, meanwhile, holes up in his squalid quarters surrounded by takeout containers and dirty clothes while hooked onto a cheap-looking VR game that hardly inspires the wonderment in us it’s supposed to in him.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
14 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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