amazing

adjective

amaz·​ing ə-ˈmā-ziŋ How to pronounce amazing (audio)
: causing astonishment, great wonder, or surprise
an amazing story of personal bravery and survival

Did you know?

Can amazing mean "good"?

Yes, it can.

One common complaint regarding the adjectival use of amazing is the extent to which the word is used in what some feel is a watered-down fashion. Those who take this position argue that unless someone is literally being amazed, the word is ill-chosen.

While this defense of semantic integrity is understandable, we must point out that the broadened meaning of amazing is hardly an isolated case. In fact, a number of words that are semantically similar to amazing have also come unmoored from their original meanings. Fabulous once meant “characteristic of fables," and the earliest known sense of terrific was “exciting fear or awe.” Although the weakened meanings of such words have elicited complaints, most of them have eventually become accepted into the language over the course of time.

Examples of amazing in a Sentence

He showed an amazing lack of concern for others. The amazing thing is that no one knows where it came from. He has an amazing ability to learn new languages. Her grandmother was really an amazing woman.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With some of the most history, art, and culture in the world packed into this small country, as well as amazing food and wine, this is a culture vulture’s paradise. Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Dominic Solanke works exceptionally hard but 15 goals in 42 appearances is not an amazing return from their club-record £65m striker. Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025 A lot of amazing stories that have aired have come from a collaboration between us and Ellen, and that’s why she’s been a part of the show for so long. Max Gao, Variety, 16 May 2025 So there was this amazing phone call from Tony to tell me the outline of what was going to happen for Kleya in season 2. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for amazing

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of amaze entry 1

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amazing was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Amazing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amazing. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

amazing

adjective
: causing amazement, great wonder, or surprise

More from Merriam-Webster on amazing

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