astonishing

[ uh-ston-i-shing ]

adjective

1. causing astonishment or surprise; amazing:

   an astonishing victory; an astonishing remark.

astonishing

/ əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing great surprise or amazement; astounding

Derived Forms

• aˈstonishingly, adverb

Other Words From

• as·tonish·ing·ly adverb
• as·tonish·ing·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of astonishing¹

First recorded in 1520–30; astonish + -ing ²

Example Sentences

In the autumn of 1971, a group of men came together who would carry out one of the most astonishing bank raids in history.

From BBC

Puerto Rican Serrano has won world titles in an astonishing seven divisions.

From BBC

For chunks of the contest, the home side looked outstanding, but South Africa’s ability to fight their way to survival was astonishing.

From BBC

Although legal or legislative efforts will be necessary to lift their now unconstitutional bans, it’s astonishing progress for those states and the people who live in them.

From Los Angeles Times

It's astonishing that we ever thought it would be.

From Salon

Related Words

• amazing
• astounding
• bewildering
• breathtaking
• extraordinary
• impressive
• marvelous
• miraculous
• spectacular
• staggering
• startling
• striking
• stunning
• wonderful
• wondrous