Thesaurus results for AMAZE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

amaze

verb

ə-ˈmāz

Definition of amaze

as in to surprise

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected your ability to remember names and faces amazes me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 June 2026 This technology still amazes me. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026 What still amazes a man who has to be hard to impress is the Gunnison Tunnel. — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 3 June 2026 The performance, supported by the Marc Dunworth Foundation for the Performing Arts, will include pulling a live rabbit out of a hat, levitating a volunteer and other tricks designed to amaze children and adults. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for amaze

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amaze

Verb

Ramirez-Smith, whose law firm is located in Nampa, Canyon County’s largest city, wasn’t surprised by how closely the Canyon County probation department was working with ICE.

— Rachel Spacek, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
One person not surprised by Yancy’s win was Lauren Beth Gash, the founding chair of the Tenth Congressional District Democrats.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

Booming demand Anthropic’s growth has been astonishing even by Silicon Valley standards.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026
Taken during Yeltsin’s trip to America months before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, the photos show the former Russian president astonished by the variety of frozen foods at Randall’s supermarket in Houston.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of astonish

Verb

Innanen stuns as Paul Baker — full name all the time — a Canadian newcomer to the group who becomes integral to his friends’ emotional processing all while operating as the resident Gen-Z eye candy.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
The final price tag stunned the industry and reflected a confluence of factors inside and outside San Diego.

— Dennis Lin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of stun

Verb

The raid shocked the community, leading to low attendance at the Wilder School District the day after the raid, according to reporting from the Idaho Statesman.

— Rachel Spacek, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
The news shocked scientists and engineers across NASA missions, who were suddenly dealt a dose of uncertainty as their job security teetered in political limbo.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of shock

Verb

This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.

— Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of startle

Browse Nearby Words

amatory

amaze

amazed

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“Amaze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amaze. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of amaze

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