Amazing vs. Incredible — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Amazing" refers to something causing great wonder or astonishment. "Incredible" denotes something hard to believe due to its extraordinary nature. Both convey strong positive emotions but from slightly different angles.
Difference Between Amazing and Incredible
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Key Differences
Amazing" and "Incredible" are two adjectives frequently used to express admiration or astonishment. While both are employed to convey positive emotions, their nuances are distinct. "Amazing" often relates to something that causes wonder or surprise. For instance, watching a dazzling fireworks display can be described as an amazing experience, highlighting the sheer wonder it brings to the viewers.
Conversely, "Incredible" is generally anchored in disbelief or something being hard to believe because of its extraordinary or exceptional nature. It's like encountering an achievement so significant that it seems almost beyond belief. For example, hearing about someone's meteoric rise from rags to riches in a short span could be termed as an incredible story.
In practice, the lines between "Amazing" and "Incredible" often blur, with both words being used interchangeably. However, delving into their nuances provides a richer understanding. An amazing performance might emphasize the unexpected delight it brought to the audience. In contrast, an incredible performance underscores the almost unbelievable talent or quality showcased.
It's noteworthy that context plays a pivotal role in choosing between the two. While both words are sprinkled generously in daily conversations, understanding their subtle differences can help in capturing the exact sentiment one wishes to convey.
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Causing great wonder or astonishment.
Hard to believe due to being extraordinary.
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Synonyms
Astonishing, wonderful.
Unbelievable, extraordinary.
Emphasis
Wonder, surprise.
Beyond belief, exceptional.
Usage
More about emotional reaction to something wonderful.
More about the unbelievable nature of something.
Example Context
Viewing natural beauty, positive unexpected events.
Hearing about rare feats, achievements that defy expectations.
Compare with Definitions
Amazing
Impressive and very enjoyable.
The concert was an amazing experience.
Incredible
Outstandingly good or difficult.
Her memory is simply incredible.
Amazing
Beyond regular expectations.
The athlete's comeback was an amazing feat.
Incredible
Beyond belief or understanding.
The amount of donations they collected was incredible.
Amazing
Stimulating awe or admiration.
The panoramic mountain view was simply amazing.
Incredible
Too extraordinary and improbable to be believed.
The tale of his adventures seemed incredible.
Amazing
Causing great wonder or surprise.
The magician's tricks were truly amazing.
Incredible
Having a fantastic quality; unbelievable.
We had an incredible time at the theme park.
Amazing
Exceptionally good or pleasing.
Her singing voice is amazing.
Incredible
Unusually excellent; marvelous.
The artist's attention to detail is incredible.
Amazing
To affect with great wonder; astonish.
Incredible
So implausible as to elicit disbelief; unbelievable
Gave an incredible explanation of the cause of the accident.
Amazing
(Obsolete) To bewilder; perplex.
Incredible
Astonishing, extraordinary, or extreme
Dressed with incredible speed.
Amazing
To cause great wonder or astonishment
A sight that amazes.
Incredible
(literal) Too implausible to be credible; beyond belief; unbelievable.
Amazing
Amazement; wonder.
Incredible
(figurative) Amazing; astonishing; awe-inspiring.
He was so wrapped up in watching the incredible special effects that he couldn't keep track of the story.
Amazing
Present participle of amaze
Incredible
(figurative) Marvellous; profoundly affecting; wonderful.
I had such an incredible slice of pizza last night that I simply can't think about anything else.
Amazing
Causing wonder and amazement; very surprising.
Incredible
Not credible; surpassing belief; too extraordinary and improbable to admit of belief; unlikely; marvelous; fabulous.
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
Amazing
(informal) Possessing uniquely wonderful qualities; very good.
Incredible
Beyond belief or understanding;
At incredible speed
The book's plot is simply incredible
Amazing
Causing amazement; very wonderful; as, amazing grace.
Amazing
Surprising greatly;
She does an amazing amount of work
The dog was capable of astonishing tricks
Amazing
Inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;
New York is an amazing city
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight
The awesome complexity of the universe
This sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath
Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent
Common Curiosities
Can a story be both amazing and incredible?
Yes, it can be wondrous (amazing) and hard to believe (incredible).
Is "Amazing" stronger than "Incredible"?
Neither is inherently stronger; it depends on context.
Are "Amazing" and "Incredible" synonyms?
While similar, "Amazing" implies wonder, while "Incredible" suggests disbelief.
Can I use them interchangeably?
Often yes, but context can dictate the better choice.
Does "Incredible" always mean something positive?
Usually, but it primarily emphasizes disbelief, which could be negative.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
