Thesaurus results for ASTONISH

astonish

verb

ə-ˈstä-nish

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

Examples 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 The sheer volume of material astonished even those familiar with state paranoia. —

Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 Many observers were astonished, for example, when in September, Israel simultaneously detonated thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah. —

Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024 Stats Wins 1 Podiums 8 Oscar Piastri 3 TA Ranking Analysis Watching Piastri this year, you’d be astonished to learn this is only his second season on the F1 grid. —

Luke Smith, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 2024 That meant those showing up in New Zealand were astonished to discover their task was to climb the New Zealand Fiji Mountains within 14 days. —

Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for astonish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for astonish

Verb

That exploration of doubt in the Christ figure deeply moves me, and the reconstruction of the time amazes me still.

Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
While many people spend hours—or even days—decorating the Christmas tree and adorning their house in lights, one TikTok user has amazed the internet with his hack to avoid all the hassle.

Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024