as in amazement
the rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary
was in awe of the sinewy Olympic runners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to amaze
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 awe
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026
Like does awe give rise to wellbeing?
—Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2026
Leslie Jamison, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Your own toddler, awed by the sparkling Christmas decorations and piles of presents under the tree, may also relate.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for awe
Noun
Donica, across from her, is on sturdier ground, fearsome to the point of awe-inspiring in the sustained fury of his fermatas, though his considerable force as a performer longs to be shaped more cleanly.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026
Like does awe give rise to wellbeing?
—Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
McQueen’s work asks us to confront the ways that awe at beauty can be marbled with disgust.
—Leslie Jamison, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Your own toddler, awed by the sparkling Christmas decorations and piles of presents under the tree, may also relate.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for awe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awe
Noun
-
The book is a mostly light-hearted exploration of Bennett's relationship with the tournament, from growing up in England rooting for his local soccer heroes, to watching in amazement every four years as teams from all over the globe take the spotlight on the World Cup stage.—
Jeffrey Pierre,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
-
When Adebayo hit his final two foul shots to reach 83 points, players shook their heads in amazement.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This natural sculpting resulted in stunning sandstone formations that amaze visitors who flock to the site, which is free and open to the public year-round.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Lane Hunter vented his astonishment on TikTok that AC might not be turned on in his apartment building until early or mid-May.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Olivia Miles makes the types of nifty passes that can leave fans gasping in astonishment.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Throughout it all, Kudrow astounds.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
17 Mar. 2026
-
In the morning, after a hike through the village’s veins and up a rocky promontory topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary, the Belvedere della Madonnina astounds us with views onto the steep hills and Cala Feola—the island’s second, smaller port and Ponza’s only sandy beach.—
Kristina Kasparian,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The finale stretched out over two hours, and by the time Canada, Shires, and Jason Boland, respectively, stepped into the spotlight to cap the night, the love and admiration for Snider had been laid bare.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
21 Mar. 2026
-
While baking with whole grains remains Jullapat’s guiding principle, this book is dedicated to her admiration of those who, well, bake in the morning.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Medical groups representing doctors and patients were dismayed at the agency's decision to back away from tougher regulation of the devices, which are available at tanning salons and some major gym chains.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
19 Mar. 2026
-
At some point this past fall, Hegseth’s under-secretary for research and engineering, the former Uber executive Emil Michael, reviewed the Pentagon’s arrangement with Anthropic and was dismayed to find that Claude could not be deployed according to the government’s every whim.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The artist hopes the unexpected aural immersion, this amble through an audio garden, will be calming and reflective, revealing hidden details of the neighborhood as well as a sense of wonderment — an intriguing rather than stressful walk to the station.—
Anne Tschida,
Miami Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Sophie’s wonderment at the ornate environment catches Benedict’s attention.—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As a relative newcomer to San Diego, I am appalled by the condition of the main roads in this city.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Undeterred by danger and appalled by hospital conditions, Annie organized the Keokuk Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society (KLAS), serving as its corresponding secretary.—
Hanna Howard,
Des Moines Register,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Awe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awe. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
