as in to surprise
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
she was bowled over to learn that she had a long-lost sister
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bowl over
Many of the selections struggled to bowl over critics.
—
Jake Coyle,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Whisk together sugar, egg whites, water, corn syrup, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl; place bowl over boiling water in saucepan, ensuring bottom of bowl does not touch water.
—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
When ready to serve, unwrap the top of the cake and place a cake plate over the top of the bowl Turn the bowl over to release the cake and gently pull back the plastic wrap and discard it.
—
Mary Ann Esposito,
Boston Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
Place a heat-safe bowl over a pot filled with water to reach ½-inch below the bowl.
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Jake Coyle,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Whisk together sugar, egg whites, water, corn syrup, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl; place bowl over boiling water in saucepan, ensuring bottom of bowl does not touch water.
—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
When ready to serve, unwrap the top of the cake and place a cake plate over the top of the bowl Turn the bowl over to release the cake and gently pull back the plastic wrap and discard it.
—
Mary Ann Esposito,
Boston Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
Place a heat-safe bowl over a pot filled with water to reach ½-inch below the bowl.
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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But perhaps Modrić and Croatia can surprise everyone and make one more run.
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Ahead of the film’s world premiere at Karlovy Vary, Mack talked to THR about the inspiration for A Happy Family, wanting to surprise audiences and create debate, and why complexity and hope are such key ingredients.
Verb
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For the majority of viewers who held out for the subscription streaming release rather than paying to rent or purchase, this news is amaze, amaze, amaze.
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On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you.
Verb
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The unusual attack Monday night stunned the elite principality on the Mediterranean Coast.
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The South American side stunned four-time world champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after the teams were tied 1-1 following extra time on Monday, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Verb
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The attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
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The exact same thing happened back in 2018 when Hirving Lozano shocked Germany.
Verb
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The mobile phone alert startled many across the city-state of Dubai, the first such alert since the interim ceasefire.
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Lansley said she has been startled by how chatbots can appear to display emotional intelligence.
Verb
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Menna was transported to WellStar Kennestone Hospital, where doctors say her recovery has left them astonished.
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This place is going to astonish you.
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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