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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
Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025
Regardless of your political affiliation, one thing is certain in these uncertain times: an amazing array of beer is being brewed across the United States.
—Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
There were so many amazing accessories, shoes and soft accessories on the runways this season.
—Sandra Salibian, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
Her musicality as well as her theatrical intuition is wonderful, and her willingness to learn is amazing!
—Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Amazing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amazing. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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