as in amazed
affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise
I was bowled over when the appraiser told me what the painting was worth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in surprised
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
she was bowled over to learn that she had a long-lost sister
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bowled over
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Christian Barmore bowled over center Bradley Bozeman to box in Herbert.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
We were completely bowled over, just in total disbelief.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
This Nix lowered his shoulder on one carry and bowled over Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
The Giants won with a fourth-round rookie running back, Cam Skattebo, who bowled over a historically dominant Eagles front for a career-high 98 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
With a notably vivacious aroma and flavor, Heilala bowled over tasters with layered complexity.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
He, too, was bowled over by the film's tear-jerking finale.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
She was bowled over when a person came in holding 10 boxes of diapers and a bunch of wipes to drop off.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
Lewis was bowled over by Lee’s research, which included the revelation that an early version of Goldman Sachs was a venture investor in Clarence Birdseye’s flash-freezing method; Birdseye studied as an ornithologist (as well as a taxidermist, fur trader, hunter, and fish lobbyist).
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Christian Barmore bowled over center Bradley Bozeman to box in Herbert.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
We were completely bowled over, just in total disbelief.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
This Nix lowered his shoulder on one carry and bowled over Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
The Giants won with a fourth-round rookie running back, Cam Skattebo, who bowled over a historically dominant Eagles front for a career-high 98 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
With a notably vivacious aroma and flavor, Heilala bowled over tasters with layered complexity.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
He, too, was bowled over by the film's tear-jerking finale.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
She was bowled over when a person came in holding 10 boxes of diapers and a bunch of wipes to drop off.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowled over
Adjective
-
Our team of a half dozen volunteers worked for a little over an hour, amazed at the size of these starchy beasts in the earthy soil.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Kellou is amazed by Aya’s story of a feast where men and women dance with abandon while wearing masks, and eventually couple up.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
What teams surprised the most in the first week of the playoffs?—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Hockey is the top Winter Games sport among gamblers, but curling with its sliding stones, spirited sweeping and cheating allegations has surprised oddsmakers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The 30-year-old appeared stunned and visibly emotional over her triumph after completing a smooth second run in the slalom, which is her best event.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
His bandmates were a little stunned, save Kevin Richardson.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The timing of the resignation shocked players and union staff.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Her mom, Stefanie, brought her in to a doctor and when the X-rays came back, they were shocked to find a 56-degree curve in her spine.—
Marielle Mohs,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
One that draws more approving thumbs-ups, creates more astonished grins, or pulls more phones from pockets for impromptu photographs and video—especially in stunning Verde Ermes metallic paint.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
19 Jan. 2026
-
Live, the 11-year-old actor shared his astonished reaction to getting the note.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
My cat was startled by a loud noise from outside and ran across the apartment with the needle in her mouth.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Twyla Tharp’s ballet Push Comes to Shove, which premiered in 1976, startled and delighted audiences with its coy, self-referential humor, and its flirtation with popular dance styles such as jazz and tango.—
Sara Krolewski,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The baseball-loving family members were thunderstruck at spotting the T206 Honus Wagner in the frame.—
Marin Independent Journal,
Mercury News,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowled over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowled%20over. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
