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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bowl over
Christian Barmore bowled over center Bradley Bozeman to box in Herbert.
—
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Combine the first four ingredients in a heatproof, nonreactive mixing bowl over a pan of simmering water (do not allow the bowl to touch the water).
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
The order in which those balls were plucked out of those bowls over the next few minutes would determine the World Cup matchups in June–and the psychological state of so many soccer fans.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 5 Dec. 2025
We were completely bowled over, just in total disbelief.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Combine the first four ingredients in a heatproof, nonreactive mixing bowl over a pan of simmering water (do not allow the bowl to touch the water).
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
The order in which those balls were plucked out of those bowls over the next few minutes would determine the World Cup matchups in June–and the psychological state of so many soccer fans.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 5 Dec. 2025
We were completely bowled over, just in total disbelief.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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The child prodigy who was a double outcast Political observers shouldn’t have been surprised.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Customers have been pleasantly surprised by this set, too, noting that the fabric feels luxurious while being extremely comfortable.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But Manso consistently pulls rebounds away from taller players, scores inside and makes plays that amaze his teammates.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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Beneath the glamour and glitz is a heartwarming story that continues to dazzle and amaze every year.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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All are stunned by secrets that eventually emerge.—
Chris Hewitt,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
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Michelle Obama stunned in a strapless black leather dress while dancing with husband Barack Obama in a Valentine's Day post shared by the former president.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Edward Segarra King Charles III shocked royal onlookers by attending a fashion show on the same day younger brother Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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The timing of the resignation shocked players and union staff.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Amid a years-long decline in the bee population that has startled scientists, experts are now warning that a growing industry is hurting native habitats and potentially leading to further die-offs.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
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The project, which Steinberger has rebranded multiple times—evolving from Clawdbot to Moltbot and finally to OpenClaw—largely owing to politics—has expanded at a pace that startles even seasoned AI experts.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The people around are astonished; in Uppsala they are used to something a little more modest.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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Even some fellow Olympians are astonished.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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