blindsided; blindsiding; blindsides
Synonyms of blindside

transitive verb

1
: to hit, strike, or tackle (someone who is facing in another direction) suddenly and very hard : to attack (someone) from their blind side
blindsided the quarterback
2
: to surprise (someone) unpleasantly see usage paragraph at blind entry 1

blind side

2 of 2

noun

1
: the side away from which one is looking
2
: the side on which one that is blind in one eye cannot see

Examples of blindside in a Sentence

Verb The quarterback was blindsided just as he was about to throw a pass. We were all blindsided by the news of her sudden death. Noun He was hit on his blind side.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Just as Omega appears ready to stand tall, Kevin Knight blindsides him to close the show. Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 His choice not to publicly disclose his colon cancer diagnosis meant that his death blindsided his fans and even some of his closest colleagues. Lindsay Good, NBC news, 23 July 2026
Noun
The left side of the offensive line also now protects the quarterback’s blind side, as is normally the case. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026 Two rookies starting on the offensive line in Week 1 isn’t all that appealing, but with Fortner starting over Hecht (and/or Samac), in theory, Freeling could be a much more palatable option on the blind side on opening weekend. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for blindside

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blindside was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Blindside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blindside. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

blind side

noun
: the side on which one who is blind in one eye cannot see

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