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
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Recent Examples of bombshell
And that eye could see past Dorothy’s drab uniform and Cindy Brady pigtails, her tall girl’s diffidence and her sweet girl’s shyness, to the bombshell smoldering underneath.
—
Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
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
Then came an unexpected bombshell.
—Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
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
Then came an unexpected bombshell.
—Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
Noun
-
And to some surprise, that contract ended up being extremely reasonable.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Texas Democrats got to enjoy the glow of a surprise victory in Tarrant County for just about a day before the party reverted to its uncommon capacity for self-immolation.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Due to a lightweight insole, grippy outsole, shock-absorbing heel, and secure lace-up closure, that was made possible.—
Ruby McAuliffe,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
-
His rapid success is hardly a shock to coach Tai Streets.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Brew a coffee Most people are aware that java can give them a jolt.—
Katharine Gammon,
Time,
6 Feb. 2026
-
With reactive Uranus stationing direct in your 5th House of Creativity, a passion project or date idea gets a jolt, inviting you to try something new on a whim.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The revelation raised concerns about conflicts of interest in American foreign policy, especially given the scrutiny surrounding the US-UAE chip deal over worries the tech could be diverted to China.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Demands for transparency are increasing because revelations about this despairing state of affairs will clarify precisely who is accountable.—
Azadeh Moaveni,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombshell. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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