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
The prize caused a small ripple of astonishment, since both Anora and The Brutalist had been tipped.
—
Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025
Some people, especially viewers blissfully detached from online discussion forums, will no doubt have received this information with shock and astonishment.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
Confidential and Memento, Pearce is, to the astonishment of many, celebrating his very first Oscar nomination this year, with his terrifying supporting turn in The Brutalist.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2025
In her episode, Roan recreates the cover of her 2023 album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, all while going long about her influences and her astonishment at her meteoric rise to stardom.
—James Factora, Them, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025
Some people, especially viewers blissfully detached from online discussion forums, will no doubt have received this information with shock and astonishment.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
Confidential and Memento, Pearce is, to the astonishment of many, celebrating his very first Oscar nomination this year, with his terrifying supporting turn in The Brutalist.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2025
In her episode, Roan recreates the cover of her 2023 album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, all while going long about her influences and her astonishment at her meteoric rise to stardom.
—James Factora, Them, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
Noun
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To our collective amazement, the RGB LEDs were able to create wholly recognizable color images.—
Ryan Waniata,
WIRED,
13 Mar. 2025
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Nonetheless, the smoke continued to spread and to her amazement, Echo went to the refrigerator and got a bottle of water.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Ukraine launched its shock incursion into Kursk in August, swiftly capturing territory in what was the first ground invasion of Russia by a foreign power since World War II.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN,
15 Mar. 2025
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However, as the camera pans around to take in all of the other Yellowjackets’ reactions, there’s a wide variety of emotions: Shauna is in shock.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In a sector like luxury, defined by tradition, exclusivity, and craftsmanship, the emergence of new technologies generates both admiration and concern.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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Cho has noted his admiration for the great early-twentieth-century French pianist Marcelle Meyer, whose Ravel recordings are unsurpassed.—
Alex Ross,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The strike hit the surgical building of Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Yunis, the ministry said, days after the facility was overwhelmed with the dead and wounded when Israel resumed the war in Gaza last week with a surprise wave of airstrikes.—
Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2025
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Haas became the surprise team out of the midfield, with both Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman running in points by Lap 44.—
Luke Smith,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Abi is a special-needs child, and McConnell wanted to capture her wonderment at the world in a song.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2025
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Jon, meanwhile, holes up in his squalid quarters surrounded by takeout containers and dirty clothes while hooked onto a cheap-looking VR game that hardly inspires the wonderment in us it’s supposed to in him.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
14 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
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