Definition of gee-whiznext
as in sensational
arousing a strong and usually superficial interest or emotional reaction most of the movie's budget must have gone for its gee-whiz special effects

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gee whiz

2 of 2

interjection

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 gee-whiz
Adjective
Brian is a gee-whiz irritant, with a reckless attachment to the family’s conveniently recalcitrant dog and a knack for making dangerous situations worse. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Even a half-hour after the Giants snapped out of their funk with a satisfying victory, and Susac had a moment to reflect on the wildly successful start to his big league career, there wasn’t a hint of gee-whiz wonder in his postgame comments. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 While the terrace is the most obvious gee-whiz feature, the 100-footer has multiple standout elements, starting with the salon. Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2025 The Institute never achieves either emotional potency or any sense of gee-whiz spectacle. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025 Perseverance's aurora observations, which were described in a study published Wednesday (May 14) in the journal Science Advances, have more than just gee-whiz appeal. Mike Wall, Space.com, 15 May 2025 Are the gee-whiz tech innovations still relevant like the electric light bulb or the elevator were? Matt Shaw, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 California once was the state where a visionary might start up a gee-whiz concept in a garage. Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 Missoula, Montana, where he was born, bequeathed him a folksy Eagle Scout congeniality, all nasal delivery and gee-whiz enthusiasm. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2025
Interjection
This does not exclude that some science journalism will rightly be of the gee whiz variety or will prioritize entertainment value or will see its primary usefulness as linked to science literacy. Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gee-whiz
Adjective
  • Accounting for inflation and higher ticket prices, Hollywood’s summer wasn’t quite so historically sensational.
    Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Las Vegas Review-journal/TNS Three decades, two dozen witnesses and weeks of sensational and fiery testimony later, closing arguments are set to begin Monday in the trial for the only person ever charged with the murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur.
    Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Interjection
  • Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Some people think, oh, the show’s about true romance, true love conquering it all.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • But during the fall, the scenic pathway becomes even more enchanting when accented by colorful foliage.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Rome — The city of Rome has revealed for the first time the biggestRoman wall mosaic ever found, and a colorful fresco painted on a 2,000-year-old wall — the culmination of a massive 14-year restoration project.
    Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
Interjection
  • Zachary Wigon directs, and Maika Monroe stars as Winifred Notty, a governess who tries and fails not to be a complete, well, psycho in this irreverent, gory horror.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Antonio Williams, Caleb Douglas lead the rookie wideouts As a prospect, the Commanders’ Williams was praised by scouts for his hands and ball-skills, and, well … credit to the scouts.
    Andy Behrens, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There was more screaming and yelling for people who wanted to get a ventilator available in their home.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2021
Interjection
  • Other highlights include Billie’s (Lucy Freyer) fixation with feeling young, Julian Manjerico’s return as the absolutely unhinged Zack-Carlos and a brilliant penultimate episode about casual use of the C-word (hey, the British do it).
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Or, hey, why not just take advantage of the cheaper hotel rates and airfare while most families are wrapped up at school?
    Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Interjection
  • Oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee?
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • And gee if there were only a very effective way of preventing the measles.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Interjection
  • Though the missing books have been on the DA’s radar since the last century, no one’s had a lead on the thief lo these many decades.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Remember lo those many weeks ago when the ground wasn't covered in snow?
    Amber Hunt, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gee-whiz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gee-whiz. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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