ASTONISHING Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

astonishing 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈstä-ni-shiŋ

Definition of astonishing

as in surprising

causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness gave us the astonishing news she was getting married

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in amazing

causing wonder or astonishment an astonishing view of the Grand Canyon that few tourists get to see

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

astonishing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of astonish

as in stunning

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

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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 astonishing

Adjective

Even when the metaphor is painfully on the nose, the film’s most disturbing images are more than their dramatic limitations and a whale is still an astonishing place to spend a movie. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 Belgian rider Jelle Verstaen was the one who rode the DS to the record, covering the astonishing 271 miles on a single charge. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

Less than a month after astonishing the world with its solution to the long-standing Navier-Stokes problem, OpenAI has released 722 maths papers, proving or disproving problems across numerous fields from algebraic geometry to number theory. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 9 Oct. 2026 Nordstrom has really sweet jewelry pieces at not-astonishing price points. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astonishing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonishing

Adjective

The claim that mitochondrial dysfunction is a factor in mental health disorders as well as physical ones is surprising to many people.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Louis-Dreyfus works to make Polly relatable, a surprising choice for one of television’s most astringent comic presences.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of surprising

Verb

Footage of the fight shared online showed Williams punching Colón in the back of the head in the seventh round, apparently stunning him.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Margaret deploys this power to find Daniel and to free him from Noah and the WARDEX minions—essentially, by stunning them emotionally.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026

Definition of stunning

Adjective

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Holcomb combines a startling precociousness with a moxie that has already shattered expectations.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
While the numbers are startling, Ohtani's at-bats suggest something isn't right.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of startling

Verb

Near the very end of the application process, DuPonty pulled out, shocking his co-workers.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 15 Oct. 2026
The Dodgers’ steadiest pitcher and coolest cat actually seemed miffed on the mound when Smith didn’t challenge — as shocking a sight as his early exit.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of shocking

Adjective

But the revelation has also raised questions about what Leo knew and when, given his poignant prayers in late September at a French shrine where Catholics believe miraculous cures have occurred.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
William Perkins, an influential proponent of witch fever in late sixteenth-century England, notes that any miraculous power a witch or her objects appears to have is merely borrowed from Satan.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of miraculous

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“Astonishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astonishing. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of astonishing

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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