awe 1 of 2

noun

ˈȯ How to pronounce awe (audio)
Definition of awenext
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

awe

2 of 2

verb

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
Noun
That contrasts with the 'shock and awe' approach that underpinned the sweeping 'Liberation Day' levies announced in April 2025, which sent markets plummeting. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 27 July 2026 Some of it was weird, some of it was creepy and some was awe-inspiring. — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 24 July 2026
Verb
Being open to awe and willing to be humbled by it isn’t weakness but strength. — Deana L. Weibel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026 And so in a time of growing inequality and division, why might awe matter more than ever. — Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for awe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awe
  1. amazement
  2. amaze
  3. astonishment
  4. astound
  5. admiration
  6. dismay
  7. wonderment
  8. appall
Noun
  • Captain America — also appears in the trailer’s final moments, much to Thor’s amazement.
    — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • Çayoğlu mentions his amazement at meeting fans in Italy and Argentina, representations of their work crossing borders.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 7 July 2026
Definition of amazement
Verb
  • His greatness is never in question, but to have the league at a standstill because of a 41-year-old free agent amazes me.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Just before halftime, van Persie slipped past the Spanish defensive line to receive a long-range pass from teammate Daley Blind and looped the ball over Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a first-time diving header that amazed the audience.
    — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
Definition of amaze
Noun
  • The revelation itself becomes part of the artwork, shifting the experience from astonishment to reflection and encouraging a more critical examination of the assumptions that shape everyday life.
    — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Definition of astonishment
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
Definition of astound
Noun
  • Mata gained the admiration of John Wooden because of his playing style.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Despite dwindling sales, this particular Pizza Hut has the love and admiration of the locals.
    — Jeff Galak, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
Definition of admiration
Verb
  • Members of the public are often shocked and dismayed when juries deadlock or acquit high-profile defendants.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
  • Also, to enthusiast dismay, PlayStation recently announced the end of physical media production for PS5, which is slated for a rapidly approaching 2028.
    — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • For his critics, Nolan’s realist instincts will seem like an inability to surrender fully to the wonderment of the tale, indicating a fundamental mismatch between filmmaker and material.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • The discovery, meant to stoke doubts about the authenticity of Freddy’s wonderment at basic aspects of American life, soon led to a more damaging one.
    — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of wonderment
Verb
  • He was appalled by the slaughter, but, more than that, by the complacency of his neighbors, their willingness to ignore the bloody work being done under their noses.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • Many subjects were appalled by his treatment of his closest family.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 9 July 2026
Definition of appall

Browse Nearby Words

away
awe
aweary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Awe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awe. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on awe

Nglish: Translation of awe for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All