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
On the sidelines, that early laughter quickly matched the awe and astonishment experienced in the stands.
—
Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024
The world will still exceed my comprehension and astonishment by orders of magnitude.
—Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
What ensues is a series of astonishments—a flexing of muscles not often associated with our too-sedate conceptions of Iranian auteur cinema.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024
Tiny items of astonishment on the tick list of existence.
—Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for astonishment 
Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024
The world will still exceed my comprehension and astonishment by orders of magnitude.
—Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
What ensues is a series of astonishments—a flexing of muscles not often associated with our too-sedate conceptions of Iranian auteur cinema.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024
Tiny items of astonishment on the tick list of existence.
—Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
-
Much to the amazement of the local populace, the eggs kept popping out—until it was discovered that the owner was writing the words and reinserting the eggs into the hapless hen’s cloaca.—
Arthur Krystal,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
-
There's no shortage of amazement — and amusement — every time the Chiefs take the field, especially in January.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In Bull Connor’s case, film coverage of his fire-hose and police-dog attacks was broadcast on TV, triggering shock and fury in Washington and elsewhere, and ultimately leading to passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.—
David Mcgrath,
Orlando Sentinel,
26 Jan. 2025
-
After kicking her feet in a circle to try to get the remains to move, the woman gasps and raises her hand to her mouth in shock.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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But what makes our own effort worthy of admiration is not the perfection of the first try, but the effort of pushing into uncomfortable territory, and by trying over and over again, despite the stumble and failure!—
Nathan Furr,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Her passion for the craft, relentless work ethic and unflappable demeanor have enabled her to win the trust, respect and admiration of our talent and network partners.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The 34-year-old Uncut Gems actress has revealed that her current New York home came with a surprise: a benevolent spirit named Beauty, who has taken up residence in the basement.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
22 Jan. 2025
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The fields for the men’s and women’s Rumbles haven’t been completely filled, and there will be some obvious surprises.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The girls become kindred spirits, sharing secrets, wonderment, and several key world events.—
Staff,
The Christian Science Monitor,
18 Dec. 2024
-
Generally, the drama does spectacularly well with abiding by a primal sense of magical realism — the finding of wonderment in the banal and the insertion of banality into the wondrous.—
Daniel Fienberg,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near astonishment
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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