astonishing

[uh-ston-i-shing]

adjective

1. causing astonishment or surprise; amazing.

   an astonishing victory; an astonishing remark.

astonishing

/ əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing great surprise or amazement; astounding

Other Word Forms

• astonishingly adverb
• astonishingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of astonishing¹

First recorded in 1520–30; astonish + -ing ²

Example Sentences

England capitalised on an astonishing first morning of the second Test in Adelaide.

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Fast bowler Cummins, who has not played since July, missed Australia's astonishing defeat of England in the first Test in Perth.

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Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison accused the Labour minister of an "astonishing display of arrogance".

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"This study demonstrates the astonishing resilience of life that originated on Earth," says Fujita.

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England crumbled to an astonishing two-day defeat in the first Test on Saturday and now have 12 days until the second Test in Brisbane.

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Related Words

• amazing 
• astounding 
• bewildering 
• breathtaking 
• extraordinary 
• impressive 
• marvelous 
• miraculous 
• spectacular 
• staggering 
• startling 
• striking 
• stunning 
• wonderful 
• wondrous