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Synonyms

breathtaking

American  
[breth-tey-king] / ˈbrɛθˌteɪ kɪŋ /

adjective

  1. thrillingly beautiful, remarkable, astonishing, exciting, or the like.

    a breathtaking performance.
breathtaking British  
/ ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing awe or excitement

    a breathtaking view
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • breathtakingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of breathtaking

First recorded in 1875–80; breath + take + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The area, known for its breathtaking views and mix of mansions, Victorians and prewar apartment buildings, has long been sought after.

From The Wall Street Journal

The visuals in “The Madison” are breathtaking, beautiful enough to worry Montanans—people are going to want to move there.

From The Wall Street Journal

It feels very at home, and the view over the clay courts and the ocean is breathtaking.

From The Wall Street Journal

She stares out the window as if our neighborhood is some breathtaking vista.

From Literature

Designed by architect Richard Meier, the sprawling hilltop complex is gleaming with manicured gardens, breathtaking city views and a museum, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic date.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.