IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
breathtaking
adjectiveˈbreθteɪkɪŋBand 7
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
“breathtaking” is a Band 7 adjective that means astonishingly beautiful or impressive. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
Astonishingly beautiful or impressive.
Example sentences
- “The view from the summit was breathtaking.”
- “We watched a breathtaking sunset.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
stunningspectacularawe-inspiring
Antonyms
dullunremarkable
Collocations & common phrases
Collocations
breathtaking viewsbreathtaking scenery
Common phrases
absolutely breathtaking
Related words
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Frequently asked questions
What does “breathtaking” mean?
Astonishingly beautiful or impressive.
How do you use “breathtaking” in a sentence?
For example: “The view from the summit was breathtaking.”
What are some synonyms for “breathtaking”?
Synonyms include stunning, spectacular, awe-inspiring.
Is “breathtaking” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 7 vocabulary, and collocations such as breathtaking views, breathtaking scenery help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.