amazing
uh-MAY-zihng
Amazing (adj) means causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing. Example: “It is amazing that such a tiny bird can fly so far.”
adj
1
Causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing.
"It is amazing that such a tiny bird can fly so far."
"The view from the summit was amazing."
"It's amazing how quickly she learned the language."
2
Extremely good or impressive.
"The chef cooked an amazing dinner for us last night."
"Their new album is amazing, and I have played it all week."
"That was an amazing performance — the whole audience stood up."
How to use amazing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVery impressive or surprising — often used casually just to mean "really great".
When to use it
In everyday speech, "amazing" is often used loosely as a strong positive ("amazing food", "you look amazing") rather than literally meaning it caused wonder.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more amazing
- Superlative
- most amazing
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It is _____ that such a tiny bird can fly so far.
Etymology
From the verb amaze plus -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for amazing
See all rhymes for amazing →Frequently asked questions
What does “amazing” mean?
The word “amazing” means causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing. In plain terms, very impressive or surprising — often used casually just to mean "really great".
How do you pronounce “amazing”?
“Amazing” is pronounced uh-MAY-zihng (/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “amazing” in a sentence?
Here is “amazing” used in a sentence: “The view from the summit was amazing.”
What is another word for “amazing”?
Words with a similar meaning to “amazing” include awesome.
What part of speech is “amazing”?
“Amazing” is an adjective.
Is “amazing” a common word?
“Amazing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “amazing” have?
“Amazing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing.
What is the difference between amazing and astonishing?
The two are close synonyms, both describing something that causes great surprise. Astonishing leans slightly toward shock or disbelief, while amazing carries a warmer sense of wonder and delight. In everyday use amazing is far more common and positive, whereas astonishing feels a touch more formal or dramatic.
Is amazing a strong word or an overused one?
Amazing is genuinely strong — it describes something that causes real wonder or astonishment. In casual speech, though, it has become a routine way to say "very good," which softens its impact. Saved for things that truly astound, it keeps far more of its original force and feels sincere.
What is an example of something amazing?
Anything that fills you with wonder qualifies — a breathtaking view from a mountaintop, a last-second victory, a surprise reunion, or a feat of skill you did not think possible. The key is the reaction it produces: genuine surprise mixed with admiration or delight.
Is amazing a positive word?
Almost always, yes. Amazing describes something that impresses or delights, so it carries a strongly positive tone. It can occasionally be used ironically — "amazing, another delay" — but without that sarcastic twist it works as a warm compliment expressing wonder and enthusiasm.
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