Definition of amazenext

amazed

3 of 3

verb (2)

past tense of amaze

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
Verb
This technology still amazes me. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026 What still amazes a man who has to be hard to impress is the Gunnison Tunnel. Alan Gionet, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
Every guest who reaches the temple's 17th-century wooden stage is amazed by the view over the grounds and the city beyond. Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 While the show is used to seeing some truly notable figures grace its halls — both as part of the production and as guests — there was one guest who left everyone in the studio amazed. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Verb
For twelve seasons, Kim has amazed us with her fierce and raw portrayal of Teddy Altman. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026 What amazed me the most was the remains of what appeared to be a tall conifer — possibly a cypress or cedar — on Edgar Street in Pacific Palisades, where the Palisades fire ravaged an entire street. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amaze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amaze
Verb
  • The result surprised the team because semiconductor materials are generally highly sensitive to impurities.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • If Dern gets on top of Robertson, though, the fight could be over, and a submission for Dern wouldn’t surprise me.
    Brett Appley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Taken during Yeltsin’s trip to America months before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, the photos show the former Russian president astonished by the variety of frozen foods at Randall’s supermarket in Houston.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • To hold something close, to attend to it, to be astonished by it.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Narwhals have been observed using them to stun small Arctic cod while hunting.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Many in Hollywood and beyond were left stunned by news of the passing of multifaceted performer Hayden Panettiere at age 36, as reported Sunday night.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Kenan Thompson, her co-star on All That, was shocked by the news and shared a photo of the late actress online in a touching tribute.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Prune only about a third at a time to avoid shocking the plant; stagger cuts over time.
    Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Preconceptions, assumptions, and advance knowledge in the viewing public are regarded as impediments to the capacity of the tale to surprise, startle, or transport.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes workers would be startled by the sight of a machine moving by itself and realize it was being controlled by someone in Turkey.
    Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But the little fellow is a rare and interesting trophy and one that undoubtedly will astound the visiting firemen.
    Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026
  • Hashimi’s tale of unflagging effort amid wretched inequality astounds.
    Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amaze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amaze. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on amaze

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster