amazing

adjective

amaz·ing ə-ˈmā-ziŋ

Synonyms of amazing next

: causing astonishment, great wonder, or surprise

an amazing story of personal bravery and survival

Did you know?

Can amazing mean "good"?

Yes, it can.

One common complaint regarding the adjectival use of amazing is the extent to which the word is used in what some feel is a watered-down fashion. Those who take this position argue that unless someone is literally being amazed, the word is ill-chosen.

While this defense of semantic integrity is understandable, we must point out that the broadened meaning of amazing is hardly an isolated case. In fact, a number of words that are semantically similar to amazing have also come unmoored from their original meanings. Fabulous once meant “characteristic of fables," and the earliest known sense of terrific was “exciting fear or awe.” Although the weakened meanings of such words have elicited complaints, most of them have eventually become accepted into the language over the course of time.

Examples of amazing in a Sentence

He showed an amazing lack of concern for others. The amazing thing is that no one knows where it came from. He has an amazing ability to learn new languages. Her grandmother was really an amazing woman.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

So pack your bags and get ready to stay in some of the most amazing cave hotels in the United States and around the world. —

Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025 Former President Jimmy Carter, who just passed away at 100, after leading an amazing life, lay in state at the Capitol Rotunda until his funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Not only is the food amazing, but so is the interior. —

Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025 Musk has many amazing traits, but wisdom is not one of them. —

Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for amazing