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Synonyms

wonderment

American  
[wuhn-der-muhnt] / ˈwʌn dər mənt /

noun

  1. wondering or wonder.

  2. a cause or occasion of wonder.


wonderment British  
/ ˈwʌndəmənt /

noun

  1. rapt surprise; awe

  2. puzzled interest

  3. something that excites wonder

"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

Etymology

Origin of wonderment

First recorded in 1525–35; wonder + -ment

Explanation

Wonderment is a feeling of surprise, awe, and joy. People felt wonderment when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Wonder is a feeling of surprised amazement, and so is wonderment. If you feel wonderment, you can't quite believe what you're seeing, but you definitely like it. Parents feel wonderment at the birth of their children, and when their children start walking and talking. Looking at the infinite stars in the sky can create a feeling of wonderment. Being in nature stirs wonderment in many people. Anything that creates wonderment is likely to make you say "Wow!"

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Vocabulary lists containing wonderment

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.

To be fair, Altman, too, voices concerns, but in an almost gee-whiz wonderment that leaves no doubt he’s on the side of the robot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Mr Glendinning has seen golden eagles three more times since that first shock sighting in March and feels a sense of "wonderment" each time.

From BBC • May 28, 2025

She then paused five long seconds, her face a rictus of wonderment and concern, allowing the observation and admission — from a sitting member of the United States Senate, no less — to sink in.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2025

The simple wonderment that space research brings to humanity is actually invaluable!

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2025

And then something moved in the turquoise shadows and Alex gasped with a mixture of horror and wonderment as the biggest jellyfish he had ever seen drifted into view.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz

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