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
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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
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Recent Examples of bowled over
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Before you get bowled over by a new enthusiasm, do some checking.
—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Mar. 2026
Gerwig was bowled over by how Pascal took a chance on her.
—
Anthony D'alessandro,
Deadline,
28 Feb. 2026
Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday.
—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Feb. 2026
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
Verb
Hicks was bowled over by Spence early in the third period, was very slow to get up but stayed in the game and held the Pioneers in the game despite Michigan’s taking over in terms of possession, shots and chances.
—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Before you get bowled over by a new enthusiasm, do some checking.
—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Mar. 2026
Gerwig was bowled over by how Pascal took a chance on her.
—
Anthony D'alessandro,
Deadline,
28 Feb. 2026
Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday.
—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowled over
Adjective
-
The Hoosiers faithful amazed locals.
-
Kushner was likewise amazed during his first visit in 2021 with Ivanka.
Verb
-
But you may be surprised by the old-timey charms of this beachfront American town.
-
The news surprised local law enforcement at the time, who said the information did not come from them.
Adjective
-
Europeans, in particular, have been flooding social media with stunned reactions to the salad dressing.
-
After the worst outing of his nine-year major-league career, Freddy Peralta walked off the mound at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday night with a stunned look on his face.
Verb
-
Two years ago, a Long Island deli shocked the country by selling a $120-per-pound lobster salad — and the price has only gone up since.
-
The 19-year-old Shawnee Mission Northwest alum shocked the nation as an All-American as a freshman for the University of Illinois.
Adjective
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And so did a few astonished gasps when a drone shot revealed just how far outside of the Mojave tent her crowd of headbanging bodies stretched.
-
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.
Verb
-
To his luck, the sound finally startled the bear and sent it running.
-
Officials apparently were startled when more than 2,000 mostly young fans did just that.
Adjective
-
The baseball-loving family members were thunderstruck at spotting the T206 Honus Wagner in the frame.
Cite this Entry
“Bowled over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowled%20over. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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