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

Melissa's rapid intensification and high winds and atypical hurricane behavior amazed even some of the more experienced scientists who study tropical cyclones, thanks in part to its journey over some exceptionally warm waters in the Caribbean. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026

But Manso consistently pulls rebounds away from taller players, scores inside and makes plays that amaze his teammates. —Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

Beneath the glamour and glitz is a heartwarming story that continues to dazzle and amaze every year. —Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026

Eva’s romance with her husband, Franklin Plaskett, delights and amazes her. —Adelle Waldman, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026