1
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
gave us the astonishing news she was getting married
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amazing
causing wonder or astonishment
an astonishing view of the Grand Canyon that few tourists get to see
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stunning
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the news that you and she broke up absolutely astonishes me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of astonishing
Paula Mejía, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025
Upon the song’s official release, the original video for the track jumped from 200,000 to an astonishing 3,000,000 views as of publication.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Mar. 2025
But Reeves was also at the height of his astonishing beauty, stalking around a moody L.A. in a rumpled dress shirt and loosened black tie as though perpetually winding down from some more professional day job that doesn’t exist.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
So in some respects, the early arrival of life’s main ingredients—water and heavier elements capable of forming complex molecules—isn’t so astonishing.
—Conor Feehly, Scientific American, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Adjective
Grupo Frontera’s success story is all the more astonishing considering the unorthodox decisions its members have made along the way.
—Paula Mejía, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025
Upon the song’s official release, the original video for the track jumped from 200,000 to an astonishing 3,000,000 views as of publication.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Mar. 2025
But Reeves was also at the height of his astonishing beauty, stalking around a moody L.A. in a rumpled dress shirt and loosened black tie as though perpetually winding down from some more professional day job that doesn’t exist.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
So in some respects, the early arrival of life’s main ingredients—water and heavier elements capable of forming complex molecules—isn’t so astonishing.
—Conor Feehly, Scientific American, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing
Adjective
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So when Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love finishes a 24-yard scramble by puffing his chest and taunting Jarrett, the response is far from surprising.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
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Now, astronomers have zeroed in on the surprising origin of the unusual radio pulses: a dead star, called a white dwarf, that is closely orbiting a small, cool red dwarf star.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Even just having a small role in a movie like that is amazing.—
Brian Davids,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Mar. 2025
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Regardless of your political affiliation, one thing is certain in these uncertain times: an amazing array of beer is being brewed across the United States.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Lilian did not mind telling the truth, but truths could be startling and leave people uneasy—spooked, Lilian called that state.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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As the cars ripped by on the track, the speed is startling, and almost doesn’t make sense.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The stunning layer cake is perfect for spring celebrations.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
19 Mar. 2025
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Gavin Newsom makes stunning admission on Dems' dwindling support.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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His leadership by example, his accomplishments on the field, his love of family, his service to our community and his dedication to excellence all herald his standing as a remarkable athlete and wonderful human being.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2025
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It is skillfully constructed and builds to a wonderful climax.—
Georg Szalai,
The Hollywood Reporter,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Like a goalkeeper, who can be 40 minutes without touching the ball and suddenly has to make an almost miraculous intervention.—
Sam Lee,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
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And not just the miraculous match-up of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton, struggling to hold onto their Montana ranch until their troubled He-Man of a nephew Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) can come home to help, though that figures heavily.—
Matt Brennan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While that age cutoff might seem young, ATCs must have incredible physical stamina and mental sharpness, McCormick said.—
Holly Yan,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
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The editing team’s incredible for being able to tell that story cohesively.—
Nicole Fell,
The Hollywood Reporter,
8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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