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
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Adjective
Its celebrity pedigree is astonishing (spokespersons and fans include Jane Fonda, Martha Stewart, Andie MacDowell, Heidi Klum, etc), its offerings are robust, and many, if not most of its products, are five-star successes. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 In an astonishing admission, one judge acknowledged considering an alternative ruling to avoid vitriol that could endanger the judge’s family. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 The 2015-16 El Niño also coincided with a season of record beach erosion for many California beaches — an astonishing 76% higher than normal. — Robert Gauthier, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Correspondent Lee Cowan looks back at the astonishing career of the queen of country music. — David Morgan, CBS News, 28 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

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Browse Nearby Words

astonishedly
astonishing
astonishment
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Cite this Entry

“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astonishing. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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