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
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 This technology still amazes me. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026
Adjective
The moon only blocked about 10% of the sun this time, but spectators were amazed anyway. Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Be amazed by the Gergeti Trinity Church perched high in the Caucasus. Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
What really amazed the animal lover was Bow's loyalty to Shy, even though the dogs had only known each other for a day. Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026 For twelve seasons, Kim has amazed us with her fierce and raw portrayal of Teddy Altman. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amaze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amaze
Verb
  • Was there any particular friendship that had drama and surprised you?
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
  • What went down Dickens shared a video of himself surprising the Nature Gurlz, a beloved group of women who meet up weekday mornings to bask in the great outdoors.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Booming demand Anthropic’s growth has been astonishing even by Silicon Valley standards.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Innanen stuns as Paul Baker — full name all the time — a Canadian newcomer to the group who becomes integral to his friends’ emotional processing all while operating as the resident Gen-Z eye candy.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The final price tag stunned the industry and reflected a confluence of factors inside and outside San Diego.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • On Monday June 29, a bomb exploded on the doorstep of Yermolaiev’s luxury apartment in Monaco, gravely injuring the Ukrainian millionaire and shocking residents of the wealthy city state.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Fans were thus shocked when Jillian filed for divorce in January 2015.
    Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026
  • There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of a super restful sleep cycle, whether you are startled by the neighbor’s dog or an unwanted text message.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 17 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

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Cite this Entry

“Amaze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amaze. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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