Synonyms of astound

astound

verb

ə-ˈstau̇nd 

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected

it astounds me that you flew all the way out here just for my birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

• amaze
• surprise
• astonish
• stun
• shock
• startle
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• stupefy
• rock
• bewilder
• perplex
• take aback
• befuddle
• take by surprise
• thunderstrike
• confuse
• bowl over
• disconcert
• floor
• confound
• discomfit
• nonplus
• dismay
• shake up
• blindside
• muddle
• daze
• blow away
• jar
• knock for a loop

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb astound contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of astound are amaze, astonish, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

When might amaze be a better fit than astound?

The words amaze and astound can be used in similar contexts, but amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

Where would astonish be a reasonable alternative to astound?

In some situations, the words astonish and astound are roughly equivalent. However, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

In what contexts can flabbergast take the place of astound?

Although the words flabbergast and astound have much in common, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

When is surprise a more appropriate choice than astound?

While the synonyms surprise and astound are close in meaning, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of astound

My cowardice did, and didn’t, astound me. —Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026

The film features numerous long-winded monologues, including one delivered by Tracy that astounded Shatner on set. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026

Don’t let Paffuto’s casual counter service mislead you; their inventive spins on Italian classics will astound and delight. —Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Feb. 2026

Playing with composure and maturity that astounded his most veteran teammates, Anthony cemented himself as Boston’s leadoff man and put their AL East rivals on notice. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025