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 After sharing this revelation on TikTok, Kiersten has amazed social media users with the selection of designer bags inside her mom's garage. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for amaze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amaze
Verb
  • Dad Shaves Beard Off For First Time In 9 Years, Daughter Has Best Reaction By Jack Beresford Senior Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A toddler was left speechless after her dad surprised her by shaving his beard off for the first time in nearly a decade.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
  • Roan, along with other social media influencers, would be surprised by research that consistently shows that married mothers are among one of the happiest cohorts in society.
    Kelsey Reinhardt, National Review, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • From that first puck drop, Jackson was astonished by the speed and intensity of a playoff game compared with a regular-season game.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Ōshima was astonished when his own wife, Akiko Koyama, expressed an interest.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • At the May 5 event, dubbed fashion's biggest night, Zendaya stunned with a dapper, tailored Louis Vuitton white suit with a matching brimmed hat.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Keisha is bound for Howard University, while Justin stunned his parents with the decision to defer his first year at Northwestern in order to pursue his love for music.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The deportations — of mostly men, but also women and children — shocked many in India.
    Diaa Hadid, NPR, 19 May 2025
  • James’s words shocked her so much that Annabelle almost ran a red light.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Sea pens can produce a bioluminescent glow when disturbed, flashing a greenish light to startle predators such as sea stars and nudibranchs.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Long time viewers of 60 Minutes are understandably startled by these high level fireworks.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 8 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amaze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amaze. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on amaze

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!