amaze

verb \ ə-ˈmāz \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of amaze

amazed; amazing

transitive verb

1 : to fill with wonder : astound

He amazed audiences with the power of his voice.

2 obsolete : bewilder, perplex

intransitive verb

: to show or cause astonishment

The fireworks display never ceases to amaze.

—

amazedly

play \-ˈmā-zəd-lē\ adverb

See amaze defined for English-language learners

See amaze defined for kids

Examples of amaze in a Sentence

He has amazed audiences around the world with his magic tricks.
It amazes me that no one noticed the error.
Her garden's beauty never fails to amaze.

Recent Examples of amaze from the Web

The fact that Mr Najib managed to keep his job in spite of the scandal at 1MDB amazes many.

— The Economist, "Malaysia’s government calls an election," 12 Apr. 2018
Tree one would thrive and become part of a majestic canopy to amaze your great-grandchildren.

— jennifer rude klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Towering treasures: Arbor Day beckons us all to dig a hole, plant a tree," 6 Apr. 2018
The talented band musicians of West Friendship Elementary continue to amaze.

— lisa peklo, Howard County Times, "Student players, national stars team for Jazz at the Ridge [West Friendship]," 5 Apr. 2018
At first glance, the Regal TourX doesn't astound or amaze.

— eric bangeman, Ars Technica, "The station wagon is alive and well: Driving the Buick Regal TourX," 19 Mar. 2018
Then amaze yourself with an easy, healthy and tasty meal.

— chris morocco, Bon Appetit, "Ponzu Roasted Salmon for Two," 19 Mar. 2018
The kids show their skills at math, memorization and spelling backward in challenges sure to amaze viewers.

— hal boedeker, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'Genius Junior': Young Orlando neighbors face off," 15 Mar. 2018
Watching people’s dreams come true and getting recognition for their passion and work amazes me.

— atlanta life, ajc, "‘Coco’ Oscars win brings emotional response on Twitter," 5 Mar. 2018
What amazed Stone most was few people had ever heard of Fairchild.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "From avocados to kale: How one man forever changed the way we eat | The Sacramento Bee," 6 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amaze.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of amaze

Middle English amasen, from Old English āmasian, from ā- (perfective prefix) + *masian to confuse — more at abide

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

amaze Synonyms

Synonyms

astonish, astound, bowl over, dumbfound (also dumfound), flabbergast, floor, rock, shock, startle, stun, stupefy, surprise (also surprize);

Phrases

knock for a loop, take aback, take by surprise;

Synonym Discussion of amaze

surprise, astonish, astound, amaze, flabbergast mean to impress forcibly through unexpectedness. surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

- surprised to find them at home

astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

- a discovery that astonished the world

astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

- too astounded to respond

amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

- amazed by the immense size of the place

flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

- flabbergasted by his angry refusal

amaze

noun

Definition of amaze

: amazement

Dick looked at the little man in amaze.
—Robert Louis Stevenson

Origin and Etymology of amaze

see ¹amaze

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

AMAZE Defined for English Language Learners

amaze

verb

Definition of amaze for English Language Learners

: to surprise and sometimes confuse (someone) very much : to fill (someone) with wonder

AMAZE Defined for Kids

amaze

verb \ ə-ˈmāz \

Definition of amaze for Students

amazed; amazing

: to surprise or puzzle very much

His skill with the ball amazed us.

Learn More about amaze

See words that rhyme with amaze Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for amaze Spanish Central: Translation of amaze Nglish: Translation of amaze for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of amaze for Arabic speakers

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amaze

Definition of amaze

amazedly

Examples of amaze in a Sentence

Recent Examples of amaze from the Web

Origin and Etymology of amaze

amaze Synonyms

Synonyms

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Phrases

Synonym Discussion of amaze

amaze

Definition of amaze

Origin and Etymology of amaze

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AMAZE Defined for English Language Learners

amaze

Definition of amaze for English Language Learners

AMAZE Defined for Kids

amaze

Definition of amaze for Students

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