astonishment

noun

ə-ˈstä-nish-mənt How to pronounce astonishment (audio)
Definition of astonishmentnext
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

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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

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of astonishment Swilling beers from sponsor Corona, the hosts marveled at the turnaround, expressing the same astonishment that Larry David, Ben Stiller and other fans were showing on the ABC telecast. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 June 2026 Reflecting on the news that Lawrence solved the mystery, Summer House star Jesse Solomon expressed total astonishment. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 June 2026 The base had a movie theater and a shopping center, and the house, to his astonishment, had a basement. — Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, then 12, sitting just out of the camera’s view and watching in astonishment. — John Blake, CNN Money, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishment
  1. amazement
  2. shock
  3. admiration
  4. surprise
  5. wonderment
Noun
  • Dos Santos stared toward the clock in amazement after finishing the 400-meter hurdles Thursday night at the Diamond League meet in Zurich.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Sitting in a swivel chair in a hotel conference room, Victor Peng stares out the window at the Chicago River with a look of amazement.
    — Tal Rosenberg, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of amazement
Noun
  • But there are key things that are going to put upward pressure on inflation, besides tariffs and the oil price shock and the commodities supply chain shock that is flowing through now.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Breman noted that price shocks stemming from the Middle East conflict have not fully dissipated.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • Sabrina is no Dolly, which isn’t a knock but a comment on the impossibility of any new artist ever enjoying the level of admiration and adoration that Parton did for most of her life.
    — David Kamp, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Rapper Eminem expressed his admiration and sorrow at never getting to meet her.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of admiration
Noun
  • There’s one guest, though, who took him by surprise the most.
    — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Robert is then crowned king, much to Thom and Bret’s surprise.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • Even in the nineteenth century, before the neuronic machinery of the retina was fully understood, biologists approached the eye with wonderment.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The discovery, meant to stoke doubts about the authenticity of Freddy’s wonderment at basic aspects of American life, soon led to a more damaging one.
    — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of wonderment

Browse Nearby Words

astonishingly
astonishment
astonishments
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Cite this Entry

“Astonishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishment. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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