Synonym Chooser

How does the verb amaze contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of amaze are astonish, astound, flabbergast, and surprise. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When would astonish be a good substitute for amaze?

The synonyms astonish and amaze are sometimes interchangeable, but astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

In what contexts can astound take the place of amaze?

The words astound and amaze can be used in similar contexts, but astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

Where would flabbergast be a reasonable alternative to amaze?

The meanings of flabbergast and amaze largely overlap; however, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

When could surprise be used to replace amaze?

While the synonyms surprise and amaze are close in meaning, surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

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 amaze The Met’s exhibition amazes in two contradictory ways: as a reappreciation of Rudolph’s artistry and as an assessment of his impact on the American city. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2024 Costco continues to amaze both with price and with entertainment and all my Costco’s are a blast to shop at. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025 Instead, the boy was creating short films using action figures, adding voice-over narration, and displaying a level of creativity that amazed his mother. J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025 Severe geomagnetic storm sparks stunning northern lights across US (photos) Don Pettit sees petite Dawn descending Monday, September 16, 2024: NASA astronaut Don Pettit has amazed us again with another outstanding photo. Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amaze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amaze
Verb
  • Jade King Carroll: Chisa creates characters and stories that continually surprise you.
    Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Financial and retirement experts who spoke to Newsweek were not surprised by the Transamerica findings, putting the blame largely on the ever-rising cost of living.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • When Kent and Renaud approach the local U.S. marshal for help, they’re astonished to meet Mamie Fossett, a she-marshal played by Jennifer Carpenter.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Newsweek has rounded up six of the James Webb Space Telescope's remarkable discoveries that have astonished scientists.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Related article Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala stuns five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek to reach Miami Open semifinals Despite losing, Eala wore a beaming smile on her face before walking off the court, with the crowd applauding her for a memorable run.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Rogen was also stunned when a Hollywood heavyweight director agreed to appear.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Fans and the producers were shocked by their final choice because of how Brion had acted during the show.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Rachel Zegler is still shocked by some of her experiences throughout the West Side Story casting process.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There are frequent shots of monkeys around this season’s White Lotus, glaring on branches just out of reach, occasionally bounding down and startling the guests.
    Joe Joyce, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
  • With her nerves already on edge, Blanche is further startled by the arrival of her brother-in-law Stanley, a brutish drunk who has bulldozed his way into Stella’s heart.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In terms of other Disney live-action princess remakes, Beauty and the Beast astounded when opening to $174.6 million domestically in mid-March 2017, not adjusted for inflation.
    Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2025
  • What astounds, though, are the sculpture’s extraordinary eyes.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amaze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amaze. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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