bombshell

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 Dubner anxiously laughed for what felt like a full minute after that bombshell of a Q. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026 Anderson has not shied away from embracing change in the past, proving the bombshell can do no wrong with her hair shades or styles. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026 Viewers watched as Chase’s character struggled to keep his eyes on the road when the blonde bombshell beside him sped past in her sports car. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026 French actress Brigitte Bardot, a Hollywood bombshell of the 1950s and ’60s, died of cancer, her husband, Bernard d’Ormale confirmed. Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
Noun
  • Half the enjoyment of these toys is being able to carefully break open the egg to reveal the surprise creature inside.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The design from Takeshi Kata is intensifying hyper-realistic and comes with a surprise sting in its tail, not to mention some gorgeous vistas from the great Chicago lighting designer Heather Gilbert, who send shafts of light into the play’s motel room of the paranoid.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Whenever using space heaters in a bathroom or kitchen, take all precautions to reduce the risk of electric shock whether that's positioning your heater away from water sources like sinks and showers.
    Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
  • While Owens’ retirement was a bit of a shock at first, Moore said the new board and committee volunteers are super excited about what is possible for the center.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The basket and the crowd's reaction gave Calipari a jolt on the sideline.
    Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 5 Jan. 2026
  • The Anteaters withstood an early jolt from Cal State Fullerton in their Big West Conference matchup, but came back with several blows of their own in an 86-64 win at Titan Gym.
    Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The revelation suggested the committee was no longer functioning as an independent source of guidance but doing Kennedy’s bidding.
    Grayson Logue, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The administration has zeroed in on Minnesota following revelations of large-scale fraud involving social service programs in the Minneapolis area.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombshell. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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