amid

preposition

ə-ˈmid 

variants or amidst

ə-ˈmidst 

-ˈmitst

1

: in or into the middle of : surrounded by : among

amid the crowd

2

a

: during

amid the fighting

b

: with the accompaniment of

resigned amid rumors of misconduct

Synonyms

• among
• amongst
• mid
• midst
• through

Examples of amid in a Sentence

It was hard to hear amid all the cheering.

The investigation comes amid growing concerns.

Amid such changes, one thing stayed the same.

He managed to escape amid the confusion.

There was a single dark bird amid a flock of white pigeons.

Recent Examples on the Web

Peaky Blinders movie reveals first look at Barry Keoghan's mystery role amid set leaks Rumors have also circulated that Keoghan will portray Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes' four-film Beatles biopic project. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024

The Syrian civil war exploded in 2011 amid Assad's violent crackdown on an Arab Spring uprising against his rule. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, with the season 9 premiere on the horizon amid the political climate, Van Ness shared a mantra for viewers to stay hopeful. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

Here, breathtaking views and moments of quiet contemplation amid the pine forests and Spanish moss might bring about a spiritual awakening. —Mark Lakin, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

amid from Middle English amidde, from Old English onmiddan, from on + middan, dative of midde mid; amidst from Middle English amiddes, from amidde + -es -s

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

amid

preposition

ə-ˈmid 

variants or amidst

-ˈmidst 

: in or into the middle of

amid the crowd