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amazing

adjective

Definition of amazing

: causing astonishment, great wonder, or surprise an amazing story of personal bravery and survival
Synonyms & Antonyms Can amazing mean "good"? More Example Sentences Learn More about amazing

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Can amazing mean "good"?

One common complaint regarding the adjectival use of amazing is the extent to which the word is used in what some feel is a watered-down fashion. Those who take this position argue that unless someone is literally being amazed, the word is ill-chosen.

While this defense of semantic integrity is understandable, we must point out that the broadened meaning of amazing is hardly an isolated case. In fact, a number of words that are semantically similar to amazing have also come unmoored from their original meanings. Fabulous once meant “characteristic of fables," and the earliest known sense of terrific was “exciting fear or awe.” Although the weakened meanings of such words have elicited complaints, most of them have eventually become accepted into the language over the course of time.

That being said, the use of amazing to indicate that something is slightly better than “pleasant” may provoke skepticism in others, so you are advised to know your audience before using it in this way.

Examples of amazing in a Sentence

He showed an amazing lack of concern for others. The amazing thing is that no one knows where it came from. He has an amazing ability to learn new languages. Her grandmother was really an amazing woman.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Hong Kong combines an amazing history with southern Chinese culture, blended together with a global mindset. — The Economist, "Hong Kongers want and deserve a fair society," 20 Aug. 2019 The amazing thing is that Michael is a 15 year-old LCHS senior. — Jane Napier Neely, La Cañada Valley Sun, "August events keep locals on the go; plans for next wine and food fest look delish," 20 Aug. 2019 But his previous effort, 2017’s Last Flag Flying, was a dull affair, with an amazing ensemble wasted on a torpid narrative. — David Sims, The Atlantic, "Richard Linklater’s Where’d You Go, Bernadette Is a Gripping Mess," 16 Aug. 2019 Probably the most amazing claim in the book is that Lance was actually offered the same deal by the USADA that his teammates accepted: tell all and receive a minimal suspension. — Bill Gifford, Outside Online, "Jonathan Vaughters Goes Deep into Cycling’s Dirty Past," 24 July 2019 Joe Cocker was amazing and Sha Na Na was a surprise in that rock and roll lineup — but everyone loved them, too. — Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, "'No idea what to expect.' Louisville women remember Woodstock 50 years later," 9 Aug. 2019 When used together, these products are amazing at calming and cooling dry or distressed complexions. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "My Poor, Unfortunate Soul Needs This Little Mermaid Skin-Care Collection," 8 Aug. 2019 How amazing a community concert, on a nearby cove or ocean rock, this might have been; it is amplified music after all. — Los Angeles Times, "Commentary: La Jolla’s SummerFest has a new artistic director to go with its new concert hall," 5 Aug. 2019 Gluten-free and vegan-friendly, these cookies are amazing for breakfast, lunch, mid-day snacking and dessert. — Robin Miller, azcentral, "Healthy summer dinners you can make without turning on the oven," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amazing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of amazing

1593, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for amazing

see amaze entry 1

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More Definitions for amazing

amazing

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of amazing

: causing great surprise or wonder : causing amazement

See the full definition for amazing in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on amazing

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with amazing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for amazing

Spanish Central: Translation of amazing

Nglish: Translation of amazing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of amazing for Arabic Speakers

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