The dielectric behaviors of Pb(ZnNb)O-PbTiO-BaTiO (PZN-PT-BT) ceramics of several compositions have been systematically studied in as-prepared (unannealed) condition as well as after annealing (at 880 °C for 16 h). The general trend seems to indicate that the annealed samples become more ferroelectric-like as opposed to relaxor type in the unannealed state. It also shows a shift of T, the temperature at dielectric maximum, toward higher value after annealing. Both behaviors are composition dependent. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal changes of crystalline structure after annealing, which can be correlated to the accompanied changes in dielectric properties. Those experimental results may be understood using a model of paraelectric BZN nano-phase particles embedded in the PZN-PT-BT matrix. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.