Amaze: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something is wonderful or impressive and causes you to feel a strong sense of wonder.

• The magician's tricks never fail to amaze the audience.
• Her ability to speak six languages amazes me.

Used when something is very surprising and hard to believe; often used in formal or written contexts.

• The scientist's latest discovery will astonish the world.
• He was astonished to find out he'd won the lottery.

Used in everyday situations when something unexpected occurs, can be positive or negative.

• He surprised her with a bouquet of flowers.
• The sudden rain surprised us during our picnic.

Used when something shocks or surprises someone deeply, often more intense and emotional than 'amaze' or 'astonish'.

• Her generosity astounded everyone at the charity event.
• I was astounded by the number of people at the concert.

Use when something is so extraordinary that it leaves people in awe.

• The magician's tricks never fail to amaze the audience.
• Her performance in the competition amazed everyone present.

Used to describe a feeling of admiration and curiosity, often related to something beautiful, unfamiliar or mysterious.

• She felt a sense of wonder as she gazed at the night sky.
• The natural wonders of the world never cease to amaze me.

Best for expressing a feeling of great surprise, often in a formal or literary setting.

• The news of his resignation was received with astonishment.
• She looked at him in astonishment, unable to believe what she'd just heard.

Suitable for general use when someone encounters something they didn't expect.

• To her surprise, the package arrived a day early.
• The teacher's announcement took the whole class by surprise.