astounding

1 of 2

adjective

as·​tound·​ing ə-ˈstau̇n-diŋ How to pronounce astounding (audio)
Synonyms of astoundingnext
: causing astonishment or amazement
an astounding revelation
astoundingly
ə-ˈstau̇n-diŋ-lē How to pronounce astounding (audio)
adverb

astounding

2 of 2

present participle of astound entry 1

Synonyms of astounding

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Adjective

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Examples of astounding in a Sentence

Adjective He ate an astounding amount of food. the astounding sight of their cat returning home after having been missing for two years
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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
The Times was on site to witness the festival in all its glory, amid astounding 94 degree heat and an unwavering, tangible electricity among fans. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 The absolutely astounding headlights somehow emanate from jewellike strips that run across the nose of the vehicle. — Marco Della Cava, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026 For the first 10 months of fiscal 2026, Washington’s carrying costs grew an astounding 14%, from $846 to $963 billion versus the same period in FY 2025, far and away the biggest jump of any expense line item. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 The depth and breadth of Joe’s accomplishments in Maryland law are astounding. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astounding

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of astound entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of astounding was in 1590

Rhymes for astounding

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Browse Nearby Words

astounded
astounding
astoundment
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Cite this Entry

“Astounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astounding. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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