amazing

1 of 2

adjective

amaz·​ing ə-ˈmā-ziŋ 

1

: causing astonishment, great wonder, or surprise

an amazing story of personal bravery and survival

2

: excellent, superb

an amazing meal

amazing

2 of 2

present participle of amaze entry 1

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.

Synonyms of amazing

Adjective

• surprising
• stunning
• startling
• wonderful
• shocking
• incredible
• astonishing
• awesome

Examples of amazing in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

April and early May are my favorite time of year because the climate is amazing. — Noo Saro-Wiwa, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Now, at the same time, though, people’s conception of a modern, amazing user experience has moved on. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Is there an argument to be made that John Schneider is doing an amazing job this year amid injuries, tough breaks and high expectations from the Jays faithful? — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The choux pastry was tasty, and when combined with the cream cheese mixture, amazing. — Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of amaze entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for amazing

• appraising
• rephrasing
• blazing
• brazing
• crazing
• gazing
• glazing
• grazing
• hazing
• phasing
• phrasing
• praising

Kids Definition

amazing

adjective

: causing amazement, great wonder, or surprise