Wonderstruck
What it means
Temporarily overwhelmed by delighted awe or amazement.
Reach for it when describing a strong visible response to something extraordinary
The wonderstruck visitors watched the comet emerge from the clouds.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
dumbfounded
Fits when surprise leaves someone speechless
Careful Dumbfounded is informal and can sound comic rather than admiring.
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everyday
Fits when strong surprise is the main reaction
Careful Amazed is broader and can respond to something bad or absurd.
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warm
Fits when visible openness and curiosity matter
Careful Wide-eyed can imply naivety and is milder than being wonderstruck.
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formal
astonished
Fits when the event sharply exceeds expectation
Careful Astonished carries surprise but not the admiring quality of wonderstruck.
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formal
awed
Fits when grandeur produces deep respect or humility
Careful Awe can carry fear, whereas wonderstruck usually includes delighted amazement.
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literary
entranced
Fits when beauty or fascination holds someone still
Careful Entranced suggests prolonged absorption and may overstate a brief response.
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literary
spellbound
Fits when attention is completely held as if by magic
Careful Spellbound emphasizes absorption and can arise from suspense rather than wonder.
Opposites 3
- unimpressed
- unmoved
- blasé
Common phrases 3
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wonderstruck expression
Her wonderstruck expression appeared as the hidden ceiling was revealed.
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stand wonderstruck
The pupils stand wonderstruck beneath the migrating cranes.
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leave someone wonderstruck
The restored night sky can leave visitors wonderstruck.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Wonderstruck describes an intense moment, not a person's intelligence or experience.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated