Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Listening to the original Synchronicity now, Sting’s ambition on the two title tracks still astounds. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2024 And its performance has astounded even the experts. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 27 June 2024 Even some of the most veteran storm chasers have been astounded by tornado activity so far this year. Elizabeth Weise, The Courier-Journal, 29 May 2024 And Nabers astounded evaluators at LSU’s Pro Day, led by his 4.38 40-yard dash. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for astound 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astound
Verb
  • What amazed me most, however, was the large number of people watching and tracking the trial.
    Anthony Michael Kreis, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Providing instant access to a wealth of information, the internet amazed my inquisitive mind.
    Usman Javaid, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Advertisement Olsen: What are some of the things that you’ve been surprised by so far?
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Animals bring a feel-good factor like little else, and no story captured that better than one in which a grieving grandma was surprised by a new golden retriever after losing her previous dog.
    Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • We were astonished that now Frieda presents this differently.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 2 Dec. 2024
  • The sheer volume of material astonished even those familiar with state paranoia.
    Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The two were eventually separated by Packers staff and game officials, but the incident left the veteran head coach stunned.
    Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024
  • The group has tried to reassure a public both stunned by Assad's fall and concerned about extremist jihadis among the rebels.
    ALBERT AJI AND MATTHEW LEE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The American public, whose trust in higher ed is at historic lows, may wonder why an employment practice that would seem shocking in most other industries is so commonplace on campuses.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The accolade certainly shouldn't shock any fans of craft bourbon.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • She was startled out of her reverie—a strange erotic daydream, flesh without body, warmth without a face.
    Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Unfortunately, that proves to be a problem when freaking Rob Cameron (Chris Fulton) startles Bri in her kitchen!
    Lincee Ray, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near astound

Cite this Entry

“Astound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astound. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on astound

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