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
He, too, was bowled over by the film's tear-jerking finale.
—
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
She was bowled over when a person came in holding 10 boxes of diapers and a bunch of wipes to drop off.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
During my own visit to the Westminster eatery to check out the dish, I (a far less astute and seasoned gastronome than Yee) was equally bowled over.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 31 July 2025
Just shy of Kingpin’s one-year anniversary at the Miami Lucky Strike location, celebrity entourages took turns bowling over light bites and mixed drinks while girls danced near the DJ booth.
—Shanae Hardy, Billboard, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
She was bowled over when a person came in holding 10 boxes of diapers and a bunch of wipes to drop off.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
During my own visit to the Westminster eatery to check out the dish, I (a far less astute and seasoned gastronome than Yee) was equally bowled over.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 31 July 2025
Just shy of Kingpin’s one-year anniversary at the Miami Lucky Strike location, celebrity entourages took turns bowling over light bites and mixed drinks while girls danced near the DJ booth.
—Shanae Hardy, Billboard, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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That’s the one that surprised him the most.—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Pashkov wasn’t the only pro dancer surprised by the judges during dedication night.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At Taiwan’s National Palace Museum, a jade cabbage continues to amaze visitors with its striking resemblance to the real vegetable.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
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Personality-wise, Luca amazes me.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Community left stunned, vigil created for victims Photos posted by WSAV on Facebook show a vigil outside of Willie's Bar and Grill to pay tribute to the victims.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
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Buffalo experienced their first loss in Week 5, as they were stunned by the New England Patriots with a final score of 23-20.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In their wake, many Americans are justifiably alarmed and shocked by the scale of government force.—
Josiah Bates,
Time,
14 Oct. 2025
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Instead of pulling himself up, Red Hood shocks the hero with a hand buzzer and falls into the chemicals.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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It’s designed for convenience and quiet operation, featuring a sleep mode that won't startle anyone.—
Christine Persaud,
USA Today,
11 Oct. 2025
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Who jumped, startled, when Rey laughed nervously.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mass protests in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines in recent years have also rocked South and Southeast Asia as young people fight against poverty and corruption.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
14 Oct. 2025
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Also at the game was Travis Kelce's fiancée, Taylor Swift, who rocked an outfit that screamed Chiefs pride.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Veterans of past Administrations were astonished.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
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The discovery astonished scientists, but so did the person who made it.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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