Synonym Chooser

How does the verb amaze contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of amaze are astonish, astound, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When would astonish be a good substitute for amaze?

The synonyms astonish and amaze are sometimes interchangeable, but astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

In what contexts can astound take the place of amaze?

The words astound and amaze can be used in similar contexts, but astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

Where would flabbergast be a reasonable alternative to amaze?

The meanings of flabbergast and amaze largely overlap; however, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

When could surprise be used to replace amaze?

While the synonyms surprise and amaze are close in meaning, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of amaze The science behind the process continues to amaze me. Janine Henni, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 Extraordinary craftsmanship that amazed even the architect. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 What amazed me was that Zeah was already on home detention for a rack of serious criminal charges. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2025 The Chiefs didn’t amaze us on an every-game basis, not really, anyway. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amaze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amaze
Verb
  • Don’t be surprised when the Avs win Game 6, 17-2. If the Stars had their complete lineup, this would not be a close series.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The truth is no one should be surprised by the swift start.
    Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Licence utilisation among the initial user base exceeded 80 percent, a figure that astonished even the bank’s AI leadership team.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Hotel manager Anders Reinertsen, who oversees operations of staterooms and public areas, told me he was astonished to be able to hear kayakers paddling while sailing through Geirangerfjord because the ship is so quiet.
    Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Broadus stunned in a plush pink coat and matching fedora.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In February 2013, Benedict stunned the Catholic world by becoming the first pope in six centuries to retire.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The manhunt The slaying of Pascal shocked in the Upper Florida Keys community, which, while certainly not immune from crime, rarely experiences brutal murders.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
  • One father, a lawyer who teaches constitutional law, was shocked by the university’s roughshod treatment of his son and students and the ease with which administrators disregarded their rights.
    Wynn Smiley, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That aural reminder punctuates my days now, and frequently startles me.
    Rob Mank, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025
  • But the website also has messages about residents being startled, as Catanzaro was, by stealthy contractors with air guns.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But still many have been astounded by the speed with which his administration broke from decades-long defense policies.
    Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • And the ease of stepping onto Cornwall’s sandy, expansive beaches will astound you.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amaze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amaze. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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