Astonishment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈstä-nish-mənt/ as·ton·ish·ment

Meaning & Definition of Astonishment

Astonishment (noun)

  1. a feeling of great surprise and wonder, the state of being astonished, amazement
  2. consternation
  3. something that astonishes, a cause of amazement or wonder

Astonishment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary

    "the Midwesterner's astonishment at seeing the ocean for the first time"

    similar: admiration, amazement, awe, wonder, wonderment
    related: dread, fear, respect, reverence, veneration, curiosity, interest, shock, surprise, disbelief, incomprehension, incredulity, beguilement, bewitchment, captivation, enchantment, fascination, animation, enlightenment, excitement, invigoration, stimulation, absorption, engagement, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion, involvement
    near: apathy, disinterest, incuriosity, indifference, unconcern, boredom, doldrums, ennui, listlessness, restlessness, tedium, tiredness, weariness, weltschmerz, cheerlessness, dispiritedness, joylessness, melancholy

  2. the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual

    "the suddenness of the thunderstorm left the picnickers in a state of astonishment"

    similar: amazement, shock, startlement, stupefaction, surprise
    related: awe, wonder, wonderment, startle, bewilderment, confusion, consternation, discomfiture, dismay

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Astonishment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Astonishment:

admiration, amazement, awe, wonder, wonderment, shock, startlement, stupefaction, surprise

Related Words for Astonishment

dread, fear, respect, reverence, veneration, curiosity, interest, disbelief, incomprehension, incredulity, beguilement, bewitchment, captivation, enchantment, fascination, animation, enlightenment, excitement, invigoration, stimulation, absorption, engagement, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion, involvement, startle, bewilderment, confusion, consternation

Near Antonyms of Astonishment

apathy, disinterest, incuriosity, indifference, unconcern, boredom, doldrums, ennui, listlessness, restlessness, tedium, tiredness, weariness, weltschmerz, cheerlessness, dispiritedness, joylessness, melancholy

Origin & Etymology of Astonishment

astonish + -ment

First known use: 1566

Frequently Asked Questions about Astonishment

What does "Astonishment" mean?

"Astonishment" means a feeling of great surprise and wonder, the state of being astonished, amazement. As a noun, it is defined as: a feeling of great surprise and wonder, the state of being astonished, amazement. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Astonishment"?

Other words for "Astonishment" include admiration, amazement, awe, wonder, wonderment, shock, startlement and stupefaction. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Astonishment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Astonishment"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Astonishment". Common alternatives include admiration, amazement, awe, wonder, wonderment, shock, startlement, stupefaction and surprise.

How do you use "Astonishment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Astonishment" in a sentence: "the Midwesterner's astonishment at seeing the ocean for the first time"; "the suddenness of the thunderstorm left the picnickers in a state of astonishment".

Is "Astonishment" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Astonishment" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Astonishment"?

"Astonishment" is pronounced /ə-ˈstä-nish-mənt/ and divided into syllables as as·ton·ish·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Astonishment"?

"Astonishment" comes from astonish + -ment. First known use: 1566.

What is another word for "Astonishment" meaning "the rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary"?

When "Astonishment" (noun) means the rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary, synonyms include admiration, amazement, awe, wonder and wonderment.