wonder
to think or speculate curiously: to wonder about the origin of the solar system.
to be filled with admiration, amazement, or awe; marvel (often followed by at): He wondered at her composure in such a crisis.
to doubt: I wonder if she'll really get here.
to speculate curiously or be curious about; be curious to know: to wonder what happened.
to feel wonder at: I wonder that you went.
something strange and surprising; a cause of surprise, astonishment, or admiration: That building is a wonder. It is a wonder he declined such an offer.
the emotion excited by what is strange and surprising; a feeling of surprised or puzzled interest, sometimes tinged with admiration: He felt wonder at seeing the Grand Canyon.
miraculous deed or event; remarkable phenomenon.
Idioms about wonder
for a wonder, as the reverse of what might be expected; surprisingly: For a wonder, they worked hard all day.
Origin of wonder
1Other words for wonder
Other words from wonder
- won·der·er, noun
- won·der·less, adjective
Words Nearby wonder
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use wonder in a sentence
It’s no wonder advertisers are looking for more answers and clearer communication.
Google’s search terms move will make millions in ad spend invisible to advertisers | Ginny Marvin | September 3, 2020 | Search Engine LandLittle wonder then why those advertisers are debating whether their agencies are up to the task.
‘It’s more transformational’: For the third time in five years, advertisers will launch a mediapalooza of account reviews | Seb Joseph | September 2, 2020 | DigidaySometimes, changing responsibilities, allowing for more flexibility, and decreasing your employees’ workloads can work wonders.
The modern business world, Socrates would say, doesn’t make space for wonder.
The business advice Socrates would give if he wrote a management book today | jakemeth | August 25, 2020 | FortuneGiven today’s valuations, the overall big-cap market can’t hand you a strong future return without working wonders.
Despite Warren Buffett’s selloff, bank stocks look like great buys in this market | Shawn Tully | August 18, 2020 | Fortune
Really, is it any wonder that fluoride should freak people out?
I wonder what that lady is doing now, and if she knows what she set in motion with Archer?
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS | Marlow Stern | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTBut we are afraid and we wonder to ourselves who will be next.
Is it any wonder that the interests of large corporations and unions get to the front of the line?
I often wonder what contributions to art and innovation society would have gathered if not for how it treats trans individuals.
Dear Leelah, We Will Fight On For You: A Letter to a Dead Trans Teen | Parker Molloy | January 1, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTThe "new world" was really found in the wonder-years of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice | Stephen LeacockHer feet felt rooted to the floor in the wonder and doubt of this strange occurrence.
The Bondboy | George W. (George Washington) OgdenIt was no wonder that he felt quite at home in the duck-pond, which was made for web-footed folk.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole | Arthur Scott BaileyI don't care, it ain't nice, and I wonder aunt brought us to such a place.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun; | VariousWe met like hostile bulls, and wonder not that we should plunge at once upon each other's horns!
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane Porter
British Dictionary definitions for wonder (1 of 2)
/ (ˈwʌndə) /
the feeling excited by something strange; a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and sometimes awe
something that causes such a feeling, such as a miracle
(modifier) exciting wonder by virtue of spectacular results achieved, feats performed, etc: a wonder drug; a wonder horse
do wonders or work wonders to achieve spectacularly fine results
for a wonder surprisingly or amazingly
nine days' wonder a subject that arouses general surprise or public interest for a short time
no wonder (sentence connector) (I am) not surprised at all (that): no wonder he couldn't come
small wonder (sentence connector) (I am) hardly surprised (that): small wonder he couldn't make it tonight
(when intr, often foll by about) to indulge in speculative inquiry, often accompanied by an element of doubt (concerning something): I wondered about what she said; I wonder what happened
(when intr, often foll by at) to be amazed (at something): I wonder at your impudence
Origin of wonder
1Derived forms of wonder
- wonderer, noun
- wonderless, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for Wonder (2 of 2)
/ (ˈwʌndə) /
Stevie. real name Steveland Judkins Morris. born 1950, US Motown singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His recordings include Up-Tight (1966), "Superstition" (1972), Innervisions (1973), Songs in the Key of Life (1976), and "I Just Called to Say I Love You" (1985)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with wonder
In addition to the idiom beginning with wonder
- wonders will never cease
also see:
- for a wonder
- no wonder
- work wonders
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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