Thesaurus results for ASTOUND

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

astound

verb

ə-ˈstau̇nd

Definition of astound next

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected it astounds me that you flew all the way out here just for my birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Example 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 But what astounded me about Croatia was the versatility of it. —

Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2024 The results astounded me and raised deep questions about ethics, the authenticity of media artifacts, and the personal meaning behind handwriting itself. —

Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024 The lack of cultural awareness or care here astounds for its conspicuousness. —

Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Aug. 2024 Listening to the original Synchronicity now, Sting’s ambition on the two title tracks still astounds. —

Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for astound

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astound

Verb

The Chiefs didn’t amaze us on an every-game basis, not really, anyway.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
The Met’s exhibition amazes in two contradictory ways: as a reappreciation of Rudolph’s artistry and as an assessment of his impact on the American city.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2024