Every decade has its most popular superlatives. The 1960s were groovy, the ’70s were far out, the ’80s were rad, and the ’90s rocked.
We don’t use the term “far out” to describe much of anything anymore, other than Elon Musk’s space-exploration ambitions. So what happened to it? There are plenty of descriptive words that come and go over time within the English language, gaining then losing favor. In Shakespeare’s day, we may have described something that was flawless and perfect as absolute. Much like fashion, food, music, and many other things, language evolves and changes over time.
During the past 10 years, one adjective that has exploded in popularity is the word amazing. By definition, when something is amazing, it is startlingly impressive or something that causes great surprise or wonder. Yet we now commonly use the word to describe anything that we find pleasurable, from a tasty slice of pizza to a relaxing massage. See this video on Instagram? It’s amazing. Hear the new Lizzo song? It’s amazing. Taste this boba tea? AMAZING.
Much like the word important, the adjective amazing has dulled because of frequent overuse. If everything is amazing, how can anything truly be amazing? To make your writing stronger, more vivid and more diverse, consider replacing the word amazing with another choice.
Need some ideas to get you started? Below is a list of 50 synonyms that you can use to replace the word amazing in your writing.
50 Synonyms for Amazing
- Awesome–extremely good, impressive, or daunting
- Astonishing–surprising
- Astounding–very notable, impressive
- Awe-inspiring–arousing awe, magnificent
- Breathtaking–so astonishing it takes your breath away
- Brilliant–bright and radiant, or exceptionally clever and talented
- Captivating–charming, holds your interest
- Charming–pleasant, attractive, likable
- Compelling–evoking interest
- Dazzling–extremely bright, beautiful
- Delicious–very tasty
- Divine–sacred, or use informally to mean delightful
- Elegant–graceful and stylish
- Elevated–high-ranking intellectual level or social status
- Exalted–noble, held in high regard
- Excellent–very good, outstanding
- Exquisite–extremely beautiful
- Fascinating–drawing attention and interest
- Glittering–impressively successful
- Glorious–bringing fame or admiration
- Gorgeous–very attractive, pleasant, beautiful
- Grand–magnificent in size or scale
- Grandiose–impressive and imposing in appearance
- Heavenly–very pleasing, of the heavens
- Incredible–difficult to believe, extraordinary
- Imposing–grand and impressive in appearance
- Inspiring–creating a positive urge
- Lavish–rich, elaborate, luxurious
- Magnificent–extravagant, sublime
- Majestic–stately, grand
- Miraculous–of the nature of a miracle, marvelous
- Prodigious–extraordinary in size, degree or extent
- Resplendent–gleaming, splendid
- Shocking–causing intense surprise
- Splendid–grand, superb, gorgeous
- Spectacular–dramatically daring, thrilling
- Staggering–overwhelming
- Striking–attractive, impressive
- Stunning–strikingly beautiful
- Sublime–inspiring awe, supreme, outstanding
- Surprising–causing wonder or astonishment
- Standout–outstanding, superior
- Stupefying–stunning, astounding
- Stupendous–causing amazement, marvelous
- Sumptuous–luxuriously fine, lavish
- Superior–above average in excellence
- Unbelievable–extraordinary, so remarkable it’s hard to believe
- Unimaginable–inconceivable, difficult to believe
- Wonderful–excellent, great, marvelous
- Wondrous–amazing, astonishing
Susan is an English educator, editor, and writer who has enjoyed working within these fields since 2004. Her experience includes teaching at the high school and adult continuing education levels, and writing and editing for multiple regional publications, including Wrightsville Beach Magazine and Encore Magazine. Today she is a copywriter and editor for CastleBranch Inc., as well as editor in chief for the company’s internal e-magazine. A Southern transplant who moved from Ohio to North Carolina, she has embraced the word “y’all” and can tell you how she likes her grits. Check out her official website.
