Synonyms of amaze

amaze

verb

ə-ˈmāz 

as in to surprise

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected

your ability to remember names and faces amazes me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surprise
• astonish
• stun
• shock
• startle
• astound
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• stupefy
• rock
• bewilder
• take by surprise
• perplex
• take aback
• thunderstrike
• confuse
• befuddle
• bowl over
• disconcert
• floor
• shake up
• dismay
• confound
• nonplus
• discomfit
• daze
• blow away
• blindside
• muddle
• jar
• knock for a loop

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

Recent Examples of amaze

His greatness is never in question, but to have the league at a standstill because of a 41-year-old free agent amazes me. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Just before halftime, van Persie slipped past the Spanish defensive line to receive a long-range pass from teammate Daley Blind and looped the ball over Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a first-time diving header that amazed the audience. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

For the majority of viewers who held out for the subscription streaming release rather than paying to rent or purchase, this news is amaze, amaze, amaze. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 June 2026