Thesaurus results for ASTONISH

Q: How does the verb 'astonish' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astonish are amaze , astound , flabbergast , and surprise . While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible. // a discovery that astonished the world

Q: When is 'amaze' a more appropriate choice than 'astonish'?

While the synonyms amaze and astonish are close in meaning, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment. // amazed by the immense size of the place

Q: When is it sensible to use 'astound' instead of 'astonish'?

While in some cases nearly identical to astonish , astound stresses the shock of astonishment. // too astounded to respond

Q: Where would 'flabbergast' be a reasonable alternative to 'astonish'?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and astonish are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay. // flabbergasted by his angry refusal

Q: In what contexts can 'surprise' take the place of 'astonish'?

The meanings of surprise and astonish largely overlap; however, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel. // surprised to find them at home

astonish

verb

ə-ˈstä-nish

Definition of astonish

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the news that you and she broke up absolutely astonishes me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb astonish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astonish are amaze, astound, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

When is amaze a more appropriate choice than astonish?

While the synonyms amaze and astonish are close in meaning, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When is it sensible to use astound instead of astonish?

While in some cases nearly identical to astonish, astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

Where would flabbergast be a reasonable alternative to astonish?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and astonish are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

In what contexts can surprise take the place of astonish?

The meanings of surprise and astonish largely overlap; however, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

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 astonish In Sheridan, the newish Le Reve Restaurant and Raw Bar astonished me first with its beautiful entrance, then with its indoor ambiance, decor and cuisine. — Irene Middleman Thomas, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 The astonished looks on his team-mates’ faces would underline that fact. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The crowd in the picture was equally astonished while the event unfolded. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026 The documentary, which astonished critics at its surprise world premiere Sunday night at the Telluride Film Festival, could upend how the public sees her. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonish

Verb

Larry remarks, amazed all these years later by this odd before-they-were-stars encounter.

— Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
What amazes me is there seems to be a wide swath of Michiganders who don’t seem to mind being lied to.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of amaze

Verb

View gallery - 7 images Chinese automotive giant BYD, now the world’s biggest electric vehicle (EV) maker, stunned this week’s Paris Motor Show with its grandest and most technologically impressive vehicle yet.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
The man was arrested and sent to prison while Ali was in college, which left the actor stunned.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of stun

Verb

The couple had previously seen a single owl on an apartment windowsill a few days earlier and were shocked even then, Williams recalled.

— Joseph B. Frederick, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
What shocked him was how unregulated—and unsophisticated—the rental market seemed.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of shock

Verb

The parents admit to some corporal punishment, but of a mild sort—the kind that might startle a child but which wouldn’t do bodily harm.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
However, startled by the activation of the security system, the suspect fled the scene without stealing any loot.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of startle

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“Astonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonish. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of astonish

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