as in to surprise
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
she was bowled over to learn that she had a long-lost sister
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bowl over
Andersen was bowled over in his crease by Timo Meier and had to exit the game, being replaced by Pyotr Kochetkov.
—
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Place bowl over a pot of simmering water (do not let bottom of bowl touch water).
—Ana Calderone, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
In a bowl over simmering water (aka double boiler), melt butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025
Instructions: Whisk or blend the egg, sweetener, coffee, and milk in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until thick and fluffy (about 10 minutes).
—Regina C. Windsor, Mph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Place bowl over a pot of simmering water (do not let bottom of bowl touch water).
—Ana Calderone, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
In a bowl over simmering water (aka double boiler), melt butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025
Instructions: Whisk or blend the egg, sweetener, coffee, and milk in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until thick and fluffy (about 10 minutes).
—Regina C. Windsor, Mph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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In the past, she has been surprised by the condition of upholstered pieces at estate sales upon taking them outside.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
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House Democrats picked 47-year old California Rep. Robert Garcia to lead them on the Oversight Committee, surprising the many internal critics who’d assumed the party was married to seniority.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
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In 2024 one woman amazed the internet with the results after she was warned not to paint her house white, only for the results to shock people who were against it at first.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
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The way 16 different emotions can flit across his face in a single moment continually surprises, amazes and confounds us.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Unlike games like Super Mario Galaxy, which allow P2 to sort of play along by shooting little stars to stun enemies, Bananza’s version of coop feels extremely robust and changes the entire game.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
1 July 2025
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The rescue pup stunned judges with her brown and blue eyes, speckled fur, and inviting smile.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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The news shocked many who know Askren, 40, given his physical fitness and long-term attention to his health.—
Sofia Schwarzwalder,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2025
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Analysts say even a slight disruption on the strait could shock a U.S. economy already preparing for a rise in inflation and force the Fed to hold interest rates throughout the end of the year.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Driver hit a pole after cicada startled them The crash happened around 1:48 p.m. on June 11 in Blue Ash, a suburb of Cincinnati, according to a crash report obtained by USA TODAY.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
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At one point, before anyone could intervene, the baby startled my dog, and my dog reacted by biting him.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Two seagulls rode the air with outstretched wings, rocking side to side.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2025
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As Tyler Durden, Pitt struts with a cigarette in his mouth, rocking his sunglasses and trademark jackets.—
Derek Scancarelli,
EW.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
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The band was astonished that Bowie, whose star was rapidly rising at the time, would give up such a sure-fire hit, but recorded it with him in May of 1972 and scored major chart success in the U.K. and U.S.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
23 June 2025
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Those who've not been introduced to its many fun charms are almost always astonished by its energy, vivid set pieces, and compelling narrative that scratches that diehard sci-fi itch.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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