bombshell

noun

ˈbäm-ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
Definition of bombshellnext
as in surprise
something that makes a strong impression because it is so unexpected discovering that I had a long-lost sister was an absolute bombshell

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 bombshell The Royal Family, whose relations with Spencer have long been strained, are said to fear the book could contain numerous bombshells about Charles and Diana’s relationship, which was infamously plagued by adultery and acrimony. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026 Her mother, Jayne Mansfield, rose to fame as one of the 1950s’ most recognizable blonde bombshells. — Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026 Her younger sisters, Stella and Freida, are dropping major bombshells that fans are enjoying—but those protecting Parton’s estate are reportedly less than pleased. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2026 Growing up, pop culture’s representations of girlhood included a blonde Wakefield twin from Sweet Valley High, a post-makeover Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club, and a big-breasted bombshell manufactured by some dorks with a Commodore 64. — Lisa Whittington-Hill, Longreads, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
  1. surprise
  2. shock
  3. jolt
  4. revelation
Noun
  • There were some surprises in the rankings, too, with the Fendi Spy bag seeing a 127 percent spike in average resale value amid this year’s Y2K revival.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Each episode, as Banijay Friends & Family notes, is told with a warm blend of humor and surprise.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • While Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis may have come as a shock to Catholics this week, the prognosis is likely a lot less scary.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The initial shock of this freak accident is well-handled, notably when Jay tries to scramble up the whale’s jawline by climbing its teeth.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • In August of 2022, for example, more than a dozen people were injured after experiencing a violent jolt during the ride, according to court filings and state records reviewed by CNN.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Majidi’s victory on Thursday night also gives Midday Meal an instantaneous jolt of Oscars buzz.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • What begins as a straightforward trip to rehab quickly spirals into a journey packed with mishaps, revelations and unexpected connections, forcing both Lucy and Tim to confront the messy realities of fame, family and recovery.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The revelation that Microsoft was holding back capacity — and in turn limiting Azure revenue — for a product that wasn't even seriously in the AI conversation, made the spending concerns even more understandable.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of revelation

Browse Nearby Words

bombs
bombshell
bombshells
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Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombshell. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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