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 state's parole board denied a request for release from prison by Susan Smith, convicted in 1995 of drowning her two young boys in a high-profile case that caused astonishment over a mother killing her own children.
—
Jason Alatidd, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024
One of them shouted, her tone a combination of teasing and astonishment.
—Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 25 Sep. 2024
The 30-second spot showcases Eugene Levy in a hilarious, jaw-dropping moment of astonishment where the irresistible flavor of Crazy Puffs causes his iconic eyebrows to comically disappear.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
The announcement shocked the NBA world, with many of the league’s top players taking to social media to express their astonishment.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Jason Alatidd, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024
One of them shouted, her tone a combination of teasing and astonishment.
—Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 25 Sep. 2024
The 30-second spot showcases Eugene Levy in a hilarious, jaw-dropping moment of astonishment where the irresistible flavor of Crazy Puffs causes his iconic eyebrows to comically disappear.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
The announcement shocked the NBA world, with many of the league’s top players taking to social media to express their astonishment.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
-
After two years, to their amazement, electricity to the village had been restored.—
Scott Peterson,
The Christian Science Monitor,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Several years ago, many of us shared amazement when the State’s current owners, Red and Linda McMonagle, reopened the movie house after an extensive remodeling.—
Doug Hanneman,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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As trade tensions increase and global supply chains realign, having investment exposure across multiple economic regions reduces portfolio vulnerability to isolated shocks.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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Companies would either try absorbing the expense, which means a drop in revenue, or pass it on to consumers, possibly triggering an upward shock in prices.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Trump and Zelenskyy spoke politely, even with admiration, of each other for the first half hour of the meeting.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
arkansasonline.com,
1 Mar. 2025
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Portman has previously spoken of her admiration for Dunham as a filmmaker and how she was inspired by her after seeing Tiny Furniture.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The free celebrations kick off daily at 2pm with live entertainment, festive surprises and special hurricane cocktails available for purchase.—
Madalyn Mendoza,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
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After nearly five decades, the actor was still capable of surprises.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Compared to the Spider-Verse movies, there’s no wonderment at the visual ingenuity, and compared to X-Men ’97, there’s no ambitious subtext to be elevated to the surface.—
Daniel Fienberg,
The Hollywood Reporter,
29 Jan. 2025
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Trump and Iran:anger, weariness, wonderment as Trump exits U.S. from nuclear deal A Trump plot by Iran?—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA TODAY,
15 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
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