1 awesome | Definition of awesome
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

awesome

adjective
awe·​some | \ ˈȯ-səm How to pronounce awesome (audio) \

Definition of awesome

1a : inspiring awe an awesome task/responsibility a place of awesome beauty
b informal : terrific, extraordinary had an awesome time at the concert
2 : expressive of awe awesome tribute
Synonyms Is the Word awesome Overused? More Example Sentences Learn More about awesome

Keep scrolling for more

Is the Word awesome Overused?

Many object to the use of awesome to describe something (such as a sandwich) that does not literally elicit feelings of awe. Yet the same people who insist that awesome should be used only of weighty subjects (Niagara Falls, man landing on the moon) will happily use the word awful in reference to something (such as a mess) that falls distinctly short of being “full of awe.” This weakened sense was once considered improper – in fact, complaints about it persisted through the early decades of the 20th century.

The change in meaning that awesome is undergoing may be more recent than that of awful, but both words are treading the same path. For evidence that such change is normal, we need look no further than awe, which originally meant “terror” and now carries the weaker sense “wonder.”

Examples of awesome in a Sentence

the awesome sight of an erupting volcano It was an awesome responsibility. We had an awesome task ahead of us. We had an awesome time at the concert. You did an awesome job on that project. The movie was totally awesome.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

 Not all last names are as awesome as Wellington and not all men’s masculinity could survive such a drastic disruption of social norms. — Sean Wellington, Essence, "Why I (Proudly) Took My Wife’s Last Name When We Got Married," 30 Aug. 2019 The view is drop-dead awesome — east across Perry Park’s forested expanse to Dawson Butte and the promontories south of Castle Rock. — Mark Samuelson, The Denver Post, "In view-swept Perry Park, walk-out main-floor master design comes on market at $797,500," 30 Aug. 2019 The framers truly understood human nature, the temptations that come with holding awesome federal power, and the problems with factions and blind partisanship. — John Kass, Twin Cities, "John Kass: ‘Ball of Collusion’ thoughtfully connects the dots on Clinton and Obama," 29 Aug. 2019 Kings of Beer New California IPA (6.5 percent alcohol by volume), this summer’s collaboration between Karl Strauss and Russian River, is entirely awesome but not entirely new. — Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, "It’s wet hop beer season. Here’s where to find these annual gems," 29 Aug. 2019 To save her feet from the pain of constant high heel wearing, Kate reportedly has a secret weapon: a pair of awesome insoles. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Reportedly Wears These $20 High Heel Insoles," 18 Aug. 2019 These things exist independently and are both awesome in different ways. — Dan Kopf, Quartz, "What’s next for the popular programming language R?," 17 Aug. 2019 Seriously, does this sound like an awesome place to live, or what? — Ann Lien, House Beautiful, "You Could Be Neighbors with Prince William and Kate Middleton," 7 Aug. 2019 Ariana Grande just dropped a brand new bop and an awesome music video to go with it. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "All the Easter Eggs in Ariana Grande's "Boyfriend" Music Video," 2 Aug. 2019

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

See More

First Known Use of awesome

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for awesome

see awe entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for awesome

awesome

adjective
How to pronounce awesome (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of awesome

: causing feelings of fear and wonder : causing feelings of awe
informal : extremely good

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

awesome

adjective
awe·​some | \ ˈȯ-səm How to pronounce awesome (audio) \

Kids Definition of awesome

1 : causing a feeling of respect, fear, and wonder an awesome view of the canyon He … tried not to think of the awesome task that lay ahead of him.— Louis Sachar, Holes
2 : extremely good He made an awesome catch.

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on awesome

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for awesome

Spanish Central: Translation of awesome

Nglish: Translation of awesome for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of awesome for Arabic Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!