amazement

noun

amaze·​ment ə-ˈmāz-mənt 

1

: a feeling of astonishment : the quality or state of being amazed

was filled with amazement by what he saw

She stared at him in amazement.

2

: something that causes astonishment : something that is amazing

… the amazements that are turning up in physics each year …

—Lewis Thomas

3

obsolete : consternation, bewilderment

Synonyms of amazement

• astonishment
• admiration
• wonderment
• wonder

Examples of amazement in a Sentence

The crowd watched in amazement as the magician performed his tricks.

Much to the amazement of her family, she left school to pursue her acting career.

Recent Examples on the Web

To their amazement, that one pure jug burnt for eight nights until more containers of sacred oil arrived. —Holly Rizzuto Palker, Parents, 14 Dec. 2025

Back in July, Powell, 29, shared an adorable Instagram photo of Grace staring in amazement at a rainbow. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

Soon enough, Tess’s displeasure softens into exasperation, then amazement, before melting into a tender ghost of a smile. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025

An old man stepped inside, and Schreiber eyed him with amazement. —Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

amaze entry 1 + -ment

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing amazement

• to one's amazement

Rhymes for amazement

• reappraisement
• appraisement

Kids Definition

amazement

noun

amaze·​ment ə-ˈmāz-mənt 

: great surprise or astonishment