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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 reunion sees season eight winners (Trinity and Bryce), fan-favorite couples and bombshells reunite to unpack some of the season’s biggest and drama-filled moments. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 That includes Troy Barrett and Harris Drover, the hot new bombshells in the villa played by Charlie Gillespie and Justice Smith. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Aug. 2026 The biggest bombshell in this episode is that Emma Easton was likely the person who murdered Isabel. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026 A week after the Lakers sold in a headspinning bombshell, Walter is reported in English newspapers to be considering exiting another trophy asset, Chelsea Football Club. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
  1. surprise
  2. shock
  3. jolt
  4. revelation
Noun
  • Because every moment is narrated in Ugandan Sign Language and International Sign, Deaf travelers are more deeply immersed in the experience, and a welcome hush falls over the environment—which is, surprise, appreciated by the wildlife too.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The killings typically played out in similar ways, with the victims – all strangers to Scott – approached while isolated and then apparently shot by surprise.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • Today, the mechanisms that contained the initial energy shock are faltering.
    — RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Rate hikes can't easily fix supply-side issues like the prolonged energy shock taking place right now.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • Renault just gave one of its most beloved nameplates a jolt of electricity.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Prized for his ability to jar and jolt, Wolfson has finally delivered something that is, by his standards, not very surprising at all.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • There is a big revelation less than halfway into the show, one that might even count as a plot twist, and thus something not to be spoiled… if not for the fact that virtually every synopsis in the last 70 years has included it in the first sentence.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • One of the revelations in this book is that Endeavor was founded, in your words, on a lie.
    — Lane Brown, Vulture, 23 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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