astonishment
Americannoun
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overpowering wonder or surprise; amazement.
He looked with astonishment at his friends.
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an object or cause of amazement.
noun
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extreme surprise; amazement
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a cause of amazement
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of astonishment
Explanation
Astonishment is what you feel when you're extremely surprised. If a cat stood up and recited the Preamble to the Constitution, you’d stare in astonishment. Astonishment is the feeling of being blown away and shocked by something. It’s the noun form of astonish, which is a verb meaning, basically “to have your mind blown.” A professional magician aims to create astonishment. A basketball player who hits every three-point shot might make fans feel astonishment. Many people feel astonishment when looking at something like the Grand Canyon. This is a strong word that shouldn't refer to minor surprises. True astonishment is rare.
Vocabulary lists containing astonishment
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 6
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"The Bet" by Anton Chekhov
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If you want to bring back old-fashioned pamphleting, your nearest print shop will be delighted to help, just as soon as they get over their astonishment.
From Slate ● Jul. 20, 2026
To widespread astonishment and anger, Balogun's ban was suspended and he was allowed to play.
From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026
So with Spielberg once again looking skyward, we decided to revisit the director’s long cinematic relationship with aliens, as figures of astonishment, terror, transcendence and, occasionally, giant crystal skulls from another dimension.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026
Everton's hierarchy have reacted with astonishment at the panel's decision to award this compensation claim to the Clarets and feel the judgement is flawed and one that is hugely excessive.
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026
The audience gasped in astonishment as it glided along, scarcely losing altitude.
From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
