What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
astonishing
Example
The magician's tricks were astonishing, leaving the audience in awe. [astonishing: adjective]
Example
It was astonishing to see how quickly she solved the puzzle. [astonishing: verb]
stunning
Example
The sunset over the ocean was absolutely stunning. [stunning: adjective]
Example
She looked stunning in her elegant evening gown. [stunning: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stunning is more commonly used than astonishing in everyday language. Stunning is versatile and can be used to describe a wide range of visually impressive things, while astonishing is less common and is typically reserved for situations that are truly surprising or extraordinary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between astonishing and stunning?
Both astonishing and stunning can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, astonishing may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with surprise or shock, while stunning is often used in a more casual or informal manner to describe something visually impressive.
