1
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
gave us the astonishing news she was getting married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amazing
causing wonder or astonishment
an astonishing view of the Grand Canyon that few tourists get to see
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stunning
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the news that you and she broke up absolutely astonishes me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of astonishing
Ben Brantley, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Decades later, amid this desolation, scientists made an astonishing discovery: fungi thriving by literally feeding off the radioactive decay.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Courtesy of Visit Tucson The Sonoran Desert is a world like no other—an expansive, living landscape where rugged mountains, gigantic cacti, and an astonishing diversity of life create an ecosystem of wonder.
—Visit Tucson, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025
Feeling is everything in Ramirez’s book, in Ali’s staging and for the astonishing ensemble cast, as the story shuttles between an Old Havana recording studio in the ’90s and the city a week before the 1959 revolutionary takeover.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
Classic writers — Chekhov, Racine, Eugene O’Neill, Gertrude Stein — have been resurrected in conversation with a tumultuous, shape-shifting present for an astonishing 50 years.
—Ben Brantley, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Decades later, amid this desolation, scientists made an astonishing discovery: fungi thriving by literally feeding off the radioactive decay.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Courtesy of Visit Tucson The Sonoran Desert is a world like no other—an expansive, living landscape where rugged mountains, gigantic cacti, and an astonishing diversity of life create an ecosystem of wonder.
—Visit Tucson, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025
Feeling is everything in Ramirez’s book, in Ali’s staging and for the astonishing ensemble cast, as the story shuttles between an Old Havana recording studio in the ’90s and the city a week before the 1959 revolutionary takeover.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
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Along with providing the first indications of the continental dripping beneath the U.S., the modeling also revealed the surprising cause—a sinking oceanic plate some 370 miles deeper into the mantle.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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At the end of Season 3, Belinda finds herself in a surprising position of power after Greg offers her $100,000 to keep quiet about his identity.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Just imagine the potpourri of amazing facial expressions that would have been on display had Sai been sitting on the jury.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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To me, every place has magic—there amazing secrets in its visuals and people.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Along with the physical camouflage and protection, it is thought to be effective in startling predators such as the wasp caught on film, giving both caterpillars and hummingbird hatchlings a greater chance of survival.—
Elizabeth Rayne,
ArsTechnica,
4 Apr. 2025
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In Trauma Plot, Hood investigates her past and present with startling honesty and curiosity.—
Bekah Waalkes,
The Atlantic,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Simone’s cover of Sara Bareilles’ Waitress heartbreaker was stunning.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
31 Mar. 2025
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The 34-inch OLED panel looks stunning, offering rich colors and deep blacks that make games like Returnal pop.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.—
Alex Vance,
Parents,
28 Mar. 2025
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Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That the 29-year-old was present, let alone capable of leading the celebrations, was nothing short of miraculous.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
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These days, the Hall of Famer is forging a new, post-football path. ➤ Barry Sanders: Lions turnaround has been 'miraculous': Speaking of 1990s pro football icons, Sanders' electrifying runs filled highlight reels.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Fans can share their own incredible images that celebrate the beauty of the planet during the Nat Geo Your Shot ourHOME challenge.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
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Tempers flare and stadiums erupt in this incredible tournament, that never ceases to entertain.—
Joseph O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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