as in to surprise
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
everyone was thunderstruck when she quit her job without warning
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thunderstrike
Verb
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The transformation took three years and a color decision that surprised even local craftsmen.—
Ryan Craggs,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026 -
Karissa Waddick has a deep-dive story that might surprise you, with names like John Hanson, Elias Boudinot and Thomas Mifflin, largely forgotten by history − and one, John Hancock, who's remembered for a lot of things other than being president.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But Manso consistently pulls rebounds away from taller players, scores inside and makes plays that amaze his teammates.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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Beneath the glamour and glitz is a heartwarming story that continues to dazzle and amaze every year.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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An honors student heavily involved in community service who was raised in a stable home and avoided gangs, drugs and alcohol, Kim’s tie to the plot to kill Tay shocked those who knew the then teenager.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
27 Feb. 2026
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How Cruise Tipping Works Some first-time cruisers may be shocked to learn that there is a per person—not per stateroom—gratuity and/or service charge already added into the cost of their cruise on many popular lines.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Chloe had dated Maxwell for more than a year, and she was stunned to hear her ex-boyfriend was a suspect.—
Lauren A. White,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2026
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The Duchess of Sussex stunned in an ultra-plunging maroon slip dress while pouring sparkling wine in a post shared on February 21.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At first, the banker is startled.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Feb. 2026
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Jordan and Lindo appeared startled by the incident but continued with their presentation.—
Yi-Jin Yu,
ABC News,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Gizmodo continues that the results of the CT scans astonished researchers because her right TMJ, near the ear, had been destroyed.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
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The people around are astonished; in Uppsala they are used to something a little more modest.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Thunderstrike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderstrike. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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