adjective B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

astonishing

uh-STO-nih-shihng

Astonishing (adjective) means so surprising or impressive that it causes amazement. Example: “The gymnast’s astonishing flexibility drew gasps from the crowd.”

adjective

So surprising or impressive that it causes amazement.

"The gymnast’s astonishing flexibility drew gasps from the crowd."

How to Use Astonishing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExtremely surprising or impressive.

Common pairings

astonishing achievement truly astonishing

Word Forms

more astonishing comparative, most astonishing superlative

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The gymnast’s _____ flexibility drew gasps from the crowd.

Rhymes for astonishing

fishing dishing swishing vanishing perishing finishing punishing polishing ravishing nourishing publishing furnishing

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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.