dazzle

verb

daz·​zle ˈda-zəl How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
dazzled; dazzling ˈdaz-liŋ How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
ˈda-zə-liŋ
Synonyms of dazzle

intransitive verb

1
: to lose clear vision especially from looking at bright light
2
a
: to shine brilliantly
… the woods dazzled whitely …—Truman Capote
b
: to arouse admiration by an impressive display
She dazzles in her live concerts.

transitive verb

1
: to overpower with light
was dazzled by the camera flash
2
: to impress deeply, overpower, or confound with brilliance
dazzled us with her wit
dazzle noun
dazzler
ˈda-z(ə-)lər How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
noun

Synonyms of dazzle

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Examples of dazzle in a Sentence

Elvis always dazzled his audiences. Visitors were dazzled by the mansion's ornate rooms. She truly dazzles in her live concerts.
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.
Despite 40-plus years of dazzling red-carpet moments—and two decades since becoming the first Arab designer on the official Paris haute couture calendar—in real life Elie Saab is still more comfortable letting his runway do the talking for him. — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 Less than an hour outside the metro area are dazzling nature reserves chock full of morphing trees, like the Morgan Arboretum and Parc-Nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 The instrument’s flexible mirrors can even react in real time to maintain incredible precision while capturing dazzling cosmic images. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Ever since Bram Stoker popularized Count Dracula as a gothic figure of fantasy, the word vampire has been synonymous with undead bloodsuckers who vanish in a puff of smoke in the morning light (if not dazzle a little in the sunshine). — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dazzle

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of daze

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dazzle was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing dazzle

Browse Nearby Words

dazedness
dazzle
dazzlement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dazzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dazzle. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dazzle

verb
daz·​zle ˈdaz-əl How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
dazzled; dazzling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
1
: to overpower with light
the desert sunlight dazzled us
2
: to impress greatly or confuse with brilliance
dazzled the crowds with fiery speeches
dazzle noun
dazzler
-(ə-)lər How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
noun
dazzlingly
-(ə-)liŋ-lē How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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