astonishing

adjective

as·​ton·​ish·​ing ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ 

: causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder : surprising

an astonishing discovery

astonishingly

ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• amazing
• astounding
• blindsiding
• dumbfounding
• dumfounding
• eye-opening
• flabbergasting
• jarring
• jaw-dropping
• jolting
• shocking
• startling
• stunning
• stupefying
• surprising

Examples of astonishing in a Sentence

He showed an astonishing lack of concern for others.

The truck can hold an astonishing amount of stuff.

She gave an astonishing performance in her first film.

Recent Examples on the Web

Every imaginable luxury appointment is fitted, and then some more—Effortless Entry coach doors with power closing assistance and the beautiful Shooting Star Headliner are on the astonishing list. —Michael Harley, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

However, in the last few years, the rise of e-scooter accidents has been astonishing. —Michelle Weinberg, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024

Some of these works of art are astonishing and nobody made those works of art hoping to get rich. —Dylan Scott, Vox, 21 Nov. 2024

Another astonishing time capsule captures a bruisingly ugly argument between the teenage Carten and her mother, traveling from the living room to the front yard, as brutal verbal attacks give way to physical blows. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of astonish

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above