dazzle

verb

daz·​zle ˈda-zəl How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
dazzled; dazzling ˈdaz-liŋ How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
ˈda-zə-liŋ
Synonyms of dazzle

intransitive verb

1
: to lose clear vision especially from looking at bright light
2
a
: to shine brilliantly
… the woods dazzled whitely …—Truman Capote
b
: to arouse admiration by an impressive display
She dazzles in her live concerts.

transitive verb

1
: to overpower with light
was dazzled by the camera flash
2
: to impress deeply, overpower, or confound with brilliance
dazzled us with her wit
dazzle noun
dazzler
ˈda-z(ə-)lər How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
noun

Synonyms of dazzle

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Examples of dazzle in a Sentence

Elvis always dazzled his audiences. Visitors were dazzled by the mansion's ornate rooms. She truly dazzles in her live concerts.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nevertheless, Richmond’s improbable comeback dazzled fans and turned its players into legends. — Rachel Labonte, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026 Adaptive matrix headlights, which can selectively dim portions of the beam to avoid dazzling other drivers while maintaining maximum illumination elsewhere, are theoretically the technological solution to the problem. — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 Chartreuse dress dazzled tv screens In the 1960’s, the advent of television had a massive effect on how people consumed sports. — Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 Strawberry Fields Salad dazzles, from the green of the lettuce, to the creamy white of the cheese, to those gorgeous red strawberries on top. — Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dazzle

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of daze

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dazzle was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing dazzle

Browse Nearby Words

dazedness
dazzle
dazzlement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dazzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dazzle. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dazzle

verb
daz·​zle ˈdaz-əl How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
dazzled; dazzling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
1
: to overpower with light
the desert sunlight dazzled us
2
: to impress greatly or confuse with brilliance
dazzled the crowds with fiery speeches
dazzle noun
dazzler
-(ə-)lər How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
noun
dazzlingly
-(ə-)liŋ-lē How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on dazzle

Nglish: Translation of dazzle for Spanish Speakers

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