breathtaking

adjective

breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
Synonyms of breathtakingnext
1
: causing one to breathe rapidly or with difficulty : making one out of breath
a breathtaking pain in her side
2
a
: exciting, thrilling
a breathtaking race
b
: very great : astonishing
his breathtaking ignorance
breathtakingly
ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of breathtaking

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Examples of breathtaking in a Sentence

The train raced past with breathtaking speed. They gave a breathtaking performance. The view of the mountains was breathtaking. a scene of breathtaking beauty The scope of the error is breathtaking.
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.
The experience goes far beyond the golf course; Palmares is known across the world for having one of the most breathtaking clubhouse environments in all of golf. — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Photos captured of the moon during the eclipse show the breathtaking interstellar phenomena. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 If the defense can improve to better than Historically Abysmal, a breathtaking offense led by QB Dak Prescott, WRs CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens and RB Javonte Williams should get Dallas at least to the playoffs. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Best Hikes Scorpion Canyon Loop At around four miles, Scorpion Canyon Loop is a top choice for hikers seeking breathtaking ocean views without major effort. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breathtaking

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breathtaking was in 1840

Rhymes for breathtaking

See All Rhymes for breathtaking

Browse Nearby Words

breathtaker
breathtaking
breath test
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Cite this Entry

“Breathtaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathtaking. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

breathtaking

adjective
breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
1
: making one out of breath
breathtaking speed
2
: exciting, thrilling
breathtaking beauty
breathtakingly
-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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