Synonyms of amaze

amaze

verb

ə-ˈmāz 

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

• surprise
• astonish
• stun
• shock
• startle
• astound
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• stupefy
• rock
• bewilder
• take by surprise
• perplex
• take aback
• thunderstrike
• confuse
• befuddle
• bowl over
• disconcert
• floor
• shake up
• dismay
• confound
• nonplus
• discomfit
• daze
• blow away
• blindside
• muddle
• jar
• knock for a loop

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of amaze

What really amazed the animal lover was Bow's loyalty to Shy, even though the dogs had only known each other for a day. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

For twelve seasons, Kim has amazed us with her fierce and raw portrayal of Teddy Altman. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026

The guys that amaze me the most are the guys that can turn it over every year and still be damn good. —Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

The second thing that strikes me more and actually amazes me is the fact that this is a story, a trope, that is repeated in most of the presentation of Agnes Pockels. —Mariel Carr, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026