The word "incredible" has several synonyms in the thesaurus, each with its own nuanced meaning and usage.
1. Unbelievable
- Meaning: This synonym emphasizes the aspect of being difficult or impossible to believe. It implies that the information or situation presented is so extraordinary that it challenges one's sense of what is possible or plausible. For example, "The magician's tricks were unbelievable; it was as if he defied the laws of physics." It often conveys a sense of astonishment or skepticism.
- Usage: "Unbelievable" is commonly used in conversations and narratives when people want to express their incredulity. It can be used to describe events, stories, or claims that seem far - fetched or hard to accept at face value.
2. Astonishing
- Meaning: "Astonishing" means causing great surprise or wonder. It focuses on the impact that something has on a person's emotions, particularly the feeling of being amazed. For example, "The athlete's performance was astonishing; he broke world records with ease." It implies that the event or object in question is so remarkable that it elicits a strong reaction of astonishment.
- Usage: This word is often used in descriptions of achievements, natural phenomena, or any situation that is likely to evoke a sense of wonder. It is frequently found in sports commentaries, travel writing, and accounts of extraordinary feats.
3. Remarkable
- Meaning: "Remarkable" means worthy of attention or notice because of its unusual or outstanding qualities. It suggests that the subject stands out from the ordinary and is deserving of comment or admiration. For example, "The artist's use of color was remarkable; it brought the painting to life in a unique way." It emphasizes the distinctiveness and value of the thing being described.
- Usage: It is a more general term that can be applied to a wide range of things, including people, objects, ideas, and events. It's often used in formal and informal contexts alike to highlight something's exceptional nature.
4. Miraculous
- Meaning: "Miraculous" implies that something is like a miracle, suggesting an event or occurrence that seems to go beyond the normal laws of nature or human expectation. For example, "The survival of the hiker in the blizzard was a miraculous event." It often has a connotation of divine intervention or an extremely unlikely positive outcome.
- Usage: This word is typically used to describe events that are seen as almost supernatural in their positive and unexpected nature. It's frequently used in religious or spiritual contexts, as well as in stories of survival and extraordinary recoveries.