dazzle

USAGE SUMMARY

'dazzle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is beautiful, sparkly, or eye-catching. For example: "The new billboard art was so bright and colorful that it dazzled passersby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Whatever the choreography, you will see stars – lots of them – and they will shine and dazzle and bathe you in their light.

The Guardian

Or maybe it will be in the stateroom of their super-yacht and dazzle their super-rich friends.

The Guardian - Opinion

Listening to a Powell speech could be a fascinating, benumbing experience he would use headlines to dazzle, plain words to bemuse.

The Guardian

Our own nation's desire for toothy dazzle started in the 90s.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At 36, Mauricio "Pipo" Rodríguez was the youngest manager at the finals and he sent his team out to dazzle the world with their attacking flair.

The Guardian - Sport

In London a genuine first world war veteran, HMS President, which was dazzle-painted in the war and is now a party ship moored on the Thames embankment, will dazzle again.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Stars like the Shauna Lowry from Animal Hospital and the one you always forgot was in Boyzone were squeezed into tiny pieces of lycra, taught to fight and set upon each other in an orgiastic din of razzle-dazzle.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Episode one's most talked-about scene is, in the middle of a razzle-dazzle melodrama, genuinely startling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Is it enough to build these gigantic monuments to modernity (in an otherwise not-so-modern and remote place) and assume that the razzle-dazzle will lure the tourists?

The Economist

With "Birdman", Mr Iñárritu has demonstrated how the latest in cinematic trickery can be used, not only to conjure that kind of digital razzle-dazzle, but to enhance drama on a human scale.

The Economist

But the jewels are more than a match for Ms Jiricna's razzle-dazzle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dazzle", consider the specific context. It can imply genuine brilliance or superficial showiness. Choose the word that best reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

While "dazzle" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs that convey specific types of impact or influence, such as "captivate", "impress", or "inspire".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dazzle" is as a verb, used transitively to indicate causing someone to be unable to see clearly or think properly, or intransitively to shine brilliantly. It can also function as a noun, referring to a brilliant light or display. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Dazzle" is a versatile word functioning as both a verb and a noun, primarily used to describe something that is visually brilliant or intellectually impressive. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While synonyms like "impress" or "amaze" exist, "dazzle" uniquely conveys a sense of immediate and striking brilliance. Remember to consider the context and desired nuance when choosing between "dazzle" and its alternatives, and avoid overuse in highly formal writing to maintain precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bedazzle

A direct synonym, emphasizing visual brilliance and splendor.

impress greatly

Focuses on the act of making a strong, positive impression rather than specifically visual brilliance.

outshine

Implies surpassing others in brilliance or excellence.

blind with brilliance

Emphasizes the overwhelming visual impact of extreme brightness.

amaze

Emphasizes a feeling of surprise and wonderment due to something impressive.

shine brightly

A more literal description of emitting a strong and impressive light.

overwhelm

Highlights the intensity of the impact, suggesting being overpowered by something.

astonish

Highlights the surprise and disbelief caused by something extraordinary.

leave in awe

Focuses on the feeling of deep respect and wonder inspired by something.

captivate

Focuses on holding someone's attention and interest through charm or skill.

FAQs

How can I use "dazzle" in a sentence?

"Dazzle" can be used to describe something visually brilliant, or figuratively to describe someone impressing others with skill or talent. For example, "The fireworks dazzled the crowd", or "The speaker's eloquence dazzled the audience".

What's the difference between "dazzle" and "impress"?

"Dazzle" often implies a more immediate and striking effect, often with a visual or superficial element. "Impress", on the other hand, suggests a deeper, more lasting positive effect based on merit or skill.

What can I say instead of "dazzle"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "amaze", "impress", "captivate", or "bedazzle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "dazzles" someone, or "is dazzling to" someone?

Both are grammatically correct. "The performance dazzled the audience" and "The performance was dazzling to the audience" are both acceptable ways to express the same idea.