Wow
What it means
A person, thing, or result that is strikingly impressive.
Reach for it when giving informal enthusiastic praise to something with immediate impact
The restored reading room is a real wow.
Words to choose between 6
| playful |
|
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
Fits when striking visual impact deserves slang praise
Careful Knockout can objectify a person and is too informal for professional evaluation.
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playful
Fits when one feature commands the room's attention
Careful Showstopper emphasizes spectacle and may overlook usability or substance.
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everyday
Fits when broad popularity or audience approval is the result
Careful A hit can be commercially successful without being impressive in quality.
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warm
Fits when something clearly distinguishes itself from peers
Careful A standout may be unusual rather than actually successful.
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formal
Fits when achievement over difficulty is the source of admiration
Careful Triumph is grander and does not fit every visually impressive object.
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literary
sensation
Fits when strong public excitement is documented
Careful A sensation measures attention and can be brief or negative.
Opposites 3
- dud
- letdown
- flop
Common phrases 3
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real wow
The hidden roof garden was a real wow for first-time visitors.
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visual wow
The exhibit's visual wow came from scale rather than expensive materials.
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deliver a wow
The final chorus can deliver a wow without overwhelming the soloist.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Wow as a noun is highly informal and evaluates impact, not lasting quality.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: recorded by Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated