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
Relevance
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
But less attention was given to other bombshells dropped about vaccines that day.
—
Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 19 Mar. 2026
You might not have been born with the blonde bombshell’s voluminous curls, but this innovation will get you one step closer to acing the look.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 Mar. 2026
Set during the Roaring Twenties, the show takes place at the Manhattan apartment of Queenie (Jasmine Amy Rogers), a vaudeville bombshell, and her man of the moment, the comedian Burrs (Jordan Donica).
—Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
Virgin River casting bombshell reveals 2 actors leaving the long-running series.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 19 Mar. 2026
You might not have been born with the blonde bombshell’s voluminous curls, but this innovation will get you one step closer to acing the look.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 Mar. 2026
Set during the Roaring Twenties, the show takes place at the Manhattan apartment of Queenie (Jasmine Amy Rogers), a vaudeville bombshell, and her man of the moment, the comedian Burrs (Jordan Donica).
—Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
Virgin River casting bombshell reveals 2 actors leaving the long-running series.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
Noun
-
Perhaps none of this should be a surprise.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Grammy Award-winning singers Billie Eilish and SZA were among a group of surprise guests brought out during Justin Bieber’s weekend two headlining set at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival into the early Sunday morning hours.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
New Environment If your plant has gone through a significant change in its environment recently—colder or warmer temperatures, a sudden lack of humidity, a change in light levels or watering habits—the shock could cause leaf drop.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
11 Apr. 2026
-
That’s why most economists agree the oil price shock from the Iran war probably won’t end in a recession.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As the Timberwolves began transfixed watching the ball, Bruce Brown, who provided a Red Bull jolt in the second quarter on both ends of the floor, grabbed the rebound.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The initial jolt lasted about a minute, but the force released was powerful enough to buckle roadways and sidewalks, throw thousands of buildings off their foundations and break gas lines all over the city.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There are revelations aplenty, shocks too, and dozens of motel breakfasts, all in search of the holy grail, which, in most cases, is represented by a full scholarship to a Division 1 college or university.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Porter’s biggest negative came out last year with revelations about her verbally abusing staff members, including one incident caught on video.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombshell. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
