astonishing
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for astonishing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — So surprising or impressive that it causes amazement.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use astonishing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “astonishing” mean?
The word “astonishing” means so surprising or impressive that it causes amazement. In plain terms, extremely surprising or impressive.
How do you pronounce “astonishing”?
“Astonishing” is pronounced uh-STO-nih-shihng (/əˈstɑnɪʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “astonishing” in a sentence?
Here is “astonishing” used in a sentence: “The gymnast’s astonishing flexibility drew gasps from the crowd.”
What part of speech is “astonishing”?
“Astonishing” is an adjective.
Is “astonishing” a common word?
“Astonishing” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between astonishing and surprising?
"Surprising" describes anything unexpected, even mildly so, while "astonishing" specifically means something so surprising or impressive that it causes amazement. Something can be surprising without being astonishing, but everything astonishing is also surprising.
Is astonishing a formal or informal word?
"Astonishing" is neutral in register and appears comfortably in both formal writing and everyday conversation. It's often used to intensify praise, as in "astonishing achievement" or "astonishing speed."
What words are commonly paired with astonishing?
"Astonishing" frequently modifies nouns like "achievement," "speed," "success," and "discovery," and often combines with "truly" or "utterly" for emphasis. It also appears as the adverb "astonishingly" before another adjective, as in "astonishingly fast."