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
  • On the second play of the Chargers’ second possession, Herbert connected with wide receiver Quentin Johnston over the middle on a sensational 65-yard touchdown pass.
    Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The capacity of most object narrators to travel in intimate proximity to human bodies prompted authors to relate sensational, fly-on-the-wall details about people’s private lives.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 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
  • The change extends across the company’s cereal portfolio, which includes colorful favorites Lucky Charms and Trix, plus Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Chex, Wheaties, Reese’s Puffs, Kix and the seasonal Monster Cereals, among others.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This was the era when Parton discovered that her fearless purview and colorful fashion sense could attract fans well beyond her core country constituency.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Interjection
  • That was a concept that came from one of our artists in the region who said, OK, well, if there’s been centuries of battles between an evil jinn faction and humanity, perhaps some pieces of them would still remain in the world?
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Season five focuses on the calm before the storm — well, as calm as MomTok can be.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 26 Aug. 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
  • And if things really go sideways and a QB3 is needed during the season, the Cowboys can have one sit on the practice squad for an emergency — or, hey, Will Grier is still hanging around as an assistant coach, too.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But hey, there’s room for all — no need to settle on just one.
    Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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