dazzling

/ˈdæzlɪŋ/
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Brilliant enough to hinder sight, or striking enough to leave a strong impression, with a related verb use for actively overwhelming someone.

Examples

  • The chrome trim kept dazzling cyclists in the afternoon light.
  • She looked away from the dazzling camera flash.
  • The young pianist showed dazzling technique.
  • Her dazzling confidence carried the debate.
  • The city offered a dazzling view after dark.

Similar words

blinding
brilliant
radiant
amazing
impressive
glaring
impressing
brilliant
bedazzling
spectacular

Meanings

Blindingly bright

adjective
physical
neutral
Bright enough to make sight difficult for a short time.

Examples

  • The dazzling headlights made the road disappear for a moment.
  • She looked away from the dazzling camera flash.
  • A dazzling white glare bounced off the snow.
  • The mirror threw a dazzling beam across the room.
  • Clouds softened the dazzling afternoon sun.
  • The stage opened under dazzling spotlights.
  • The dazzling reflection on the water hurt his eyes.

Similar words

Strikingly impressive

adjective
arts
neutral
So beautiful, skillful, or exciting that it strongly attracts admiration.

Examples

  • The dazzling performance earned a long standing ovation.
  • She arrived in a dazzling silver dress.
  • His dazzling smile changed the mood in the room.
  • The young pianist showed dazzling technique.
  • Critics praised the film for its dazzling visual style.
  • The city offered a dazzling view after dark.
  • Her dazzling confidence carried the debate.

Similar words

Overwhelming someone's sight or admiration

verb
action
neutral
Causing someone to lose clear sight from brightness, or to feel strong admiration through brilliance.

Examples

  • The sequins were dazzling everyone near the runway.
  • The low winter sun was dazzling drivers at the bend.
  • The magician was dazzling the crowd with quick changes.
  • The chrome trim kept dazzling cyclists in the afternoon light.
  • Her footwork was dazzling defenders all season.
  • The fireworks were dazzling children along the river.
  • The display is dazzling visitors as they enter the hall.

Similar words

Etymology

From the verb dazzle, recorded in the late fifteenth century and formed from Middle English dasen, the source of daze. The light sense developed by the sixteenth century, followed by the figurative sense of overwhelming admiration.

FAQ

What does dazzling mean?

Dazzling means either intensely bright, or exceptionally impressive, beautiful, or skillful.

Can dazzling describe light?

Yes. Dazzling light is strong enough to make seeing difficult for a short time.

Can dazzling describe a person or performance?

Yes. A dazzling smile, dress, performance, or display strongly attracts admiration.

Is dazzling stronger than bright?

Yes. Bright can be pleasant or ordinary, while dazzling suggests overwhelming brilliance.

Is dazzling a verb?

It can be the present participle of dazzle, as in The lights are dazzling drivers.

What are synonyms of dazzling?

Useful synonyms include blinding, brilliant, stunning, spectacular, and radiant, depending on the sense.

What are antonyms of dazzling?

For light, antonyms include dim, dull, and faint. For impressiveness, plain, ordinary, and unimpressive fit.

Where does dazzling come from?

Dazzling comes from dazzle, a verb related to Middle English dasen, the source of daze.

How is dazzling used in a sentence?

A natural sentence is The dazzling performance earned a long standing ovation.

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