astonishing

1 of 2

adjective

as·​ton·​ish·​ing ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ How to pronounce astonishing (audio)
Synonyms of astonishing
: causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder : surprising
an astonishing discovery
astonishingly
ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ-lē How to pronounce astonishing (audio)
adverb

astonishing

2 of 2

present participle of astonish

Synonyms of astonishing

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Adjective

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Examples of astonishing in a Sentence

Adjective 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
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.
Adjective
Authorities said flames spread north and northeast, away from Somersett, with astonishing speed through extremely dry grass and brush. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 America was the best version of a vast and astonishing project, these books conveyed. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Looking back half a century later, O’Brien credited Curry with much of Rocky Horror’s astonishing longevity. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming The soaring Teton Range of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is just one of the astonishing features that make this park so popular. — Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonishing

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of astonish

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of astonishing was in 1593

Rhymes for astonishing

See All Rhymes for astonishing

Browse Nearby Words

astonishedly
astonishing
astonishment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astonishing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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