Thesaurus results for ASTONISH

Q: How does the verb 'astonish' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astonish are amaze , astound , flabbergast , and surprise . While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible. // a discovery that astonished the world

Q: When is 'amaze' a more appropriate choice than 'astonish'?

While the synonyms amaze and astonish are close in meaning, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment. // amazed by the immense size of the place

Q: When is it sensible to use 'astound' instead of 'astonish'?

While in some cases nearly identical to astonish , astound stresses the shock of astonishment. // too astounded to respond

Q: Where would 'flabbergast' be a reasonable alternative to 'astonish'?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and astonish are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay. // flabbergasted by his angry refusal

Q: In what contexts can 'surprise' take the place of 'astonish'?

The meanings of surprise and astonish largely overlap; however, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel. // surprised to find them at home

astonish

verb

ə-ˈstä-nish

Definition of astonish next

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the news that you and she broke up absolutely astonishes me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb astonish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astonish are amaze, astound, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

When is amaze a more appropriate choice than astonish?

While the synonyms amaze and astonish are close in meaning, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When is it sensible to use astound instead of astonish?

While in some cases nearly identical to astonish, astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

Where would flabbergast be a reasonable alternative to astonish?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and astonish are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

In what contexts can surprise take the place of astonish?

The meanings of surprise and astonish largely overlap; however, 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 astonish Another moment in the film astonished me with its undeveloped abruptness: Sylvie sits home, watching a TV broadcast of the March on Washington, where who should appear to sing in support of the civil-rights movement but Bob Dylan. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2024 Tesla and Elon Musk, meanwhile, will likely continue to astonish us by using practical solutions while innovating. —

Michael Khouw, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 Many owners have been astonished to see just how calm and well-behaved their pup is when there's no one else at home. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 All of us were astonished by the scene outside the window: Flames from the not-too-distant mountains had climbed down almost to the valley floor. —

Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for astonish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonish

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