gee-whiz 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjē-ˌ(h)wiz How to pronounce gee-whiz (audio)
Definition of gee-whiznext
as in sensational
arousing a strong and usually superficial interest or emotional reaction most of the movie's budget must have gone for its gee-whiz special effects

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gee whiz

2 of 2

interjection

as in oh

Related Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of gee-whiz
Adjective
Brian is a gee-whiz irritant, with a reckless attachment to the family’s conveniently recalcitrant dog and a knack for making dangerous situations worse. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Even a half-hour after the Giants snapped out of their funk with a satisfying victory, and Susac had a moment to reflect on the wildly successful start to his big league career, there wasn’t a hint of gee-whiz wonder in his postgame comments. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 While the terrace is the most obvious gee-whiz feature, the 100-footer has multiple standout elements, starting with the salon. — Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2025 The Institute never achieves either emotional potency or any sense of gee-whiz spectacle. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025 Perseverance's aurora observations, which were described in a study published Wednesday (May 14) in the journal Science Advances, have more than just gee-whiz appeal. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 15 May 2025 Are the gee-whiz tech innovations still relevant like the electric light bulb or the elevator were? — Matt Shaw, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 California once was the state where a visionary might start up a gee-whiz concept in a garage. — Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 Missoula, Montana, where he was born, bequeathed him a folksy Eagle Scout congeniality, all nasal delivery and gee-whiz enthusiasm. — Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2025
Interjection
This does not exclude that some science journalism will rightly be of the gee whiz variety or will prioritize entertainment value or will see its primary usefulness as linked to science literacy. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gee-whiz
  1. sensational
  2. oh
  3. colorful
  4. well
  5. screaming
  6. hey
  7. gee
  8. lo
Adjective
  • He was poised and showcased his sensational arm against the Commanders second-team defense.
    — Omar Kelly August 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Best fastened onto the ball and weaved past three defenders to create a sensational piece of magic.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sensational
Interjection
  • Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Some people think, oh, the show’s about true romance, true love conquering it all.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 June 2026
Definition of oh
Adjective
  • Portuguese touches are incorporated here too; the blanket on the bed comes from Burel and is made using wool from Serra de Estrela sheep into colorful, contemporary designs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But the city of Smyrna is trying to change that, turning some of those refrigerator-sized metal cabinets into colorful works of public art.
    — Brian Unger, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of colorful
Interjection
  • Getty Images As wildfires sweep Europe and North America, falsehoods about their causes and the nature of climate change are spreading like, well, wildfire.
    — David Vetter, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • What especially stayed with my classmates and me was, well, us.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of well
Adjective
  • There was more screaming and yelling for people who wanted to get a ventilator available in their home.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2021
Definition of screaming
Interjection
  • And hey, if the superstar was feeling a little low, what better pick-me-up than karaoke with Chrissie Hynde or a heart-to-heart in the ladies’ with ennui expert Lena Dunham?
    — Ben Jureidini, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And hey, brands like Jif, Rao's, and Barilla are classics for a reason—they're good.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of hey
Interjection
  • Oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee?
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • And gee if there were only a very effective way of preventing the measles.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of gee
Interjection
  • Though the missing books have been on the DA’s radar since the last century, no one’s had a lead on the thief lo these many decades.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Remember lo those many weeks ago when the ground wasn't covered in snow?
    — Amber Hunt, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Definition of lo

Browse Nearby Words

geese
gee-whiz
gee whiz
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Cite this Entry

“Gee-whiz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gee-whiz. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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