Astonish is a word that is often used to express surprise or shock. However, there are many other synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning. Some good examples include amaze, astound, startle, surprise, shock, stupefy, and overwhelm. Each of these words can be used in slightly different contexts to describe the same feeling of astonishment. For instance, "amaze" may be used to describe someone who is impressed or awed by something, while "stupefy" might be more appropriate for describing someone who is paralyzed by surprise or shock. By using different synonyms for "astonish," writers can add color and nuance to their language and convey a more precise meaning.