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
Gerwig was bowled over by how Pascal took a chance on her.
—
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026
Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
Start by heating the chocolate and butter in a bowl over very low heat, stirring to combine.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Place bowl over hot water in saucepan, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026
Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
Start by heating the chocolate and butter in a bowl over very low heat, stirring to combine.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Place bowl over hot water in saucepan, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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Short has previously praised his Oscar-winning costar for her demeanor on set, sharing what might surprise fans most about working with her.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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The sharp rebound has surprised some market watchers because the conflict remains unresolved and a fragile ceasefire faces looming deadlines.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The array of quality dishes amaze; chefs stand ready to slice roasts like prime rib and prepare pastas to order.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
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I'mPhaedra Trethan, amazed at this high school principal's incredible bravery.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The South Bay’s theater and vocal world were stunned by the sudden passing of Fang Klein, a popular performer, vocal instructor and performing arts advocate, with tributes throughout social media pouring in from all corners of the community.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
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The teen’s murder stunned parkgoers.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This week, coach Javier Mascherano shocked the league by departing the club, leaving Guillermo Hoyos as the interim coach.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2026
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Eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Maybe their first kiss wasn’t a spontaneous expression of care, but a deliberate attempt to startle Emma.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
8 Apr. 2026
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Horner dropped a package, McGuire said, and was startled by the team.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Eszterhas was astonished when his script began circulating in the early ’90s, and word came back that Steven Spielberg allegedly wanted to direct it.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
15 Apr. 2026
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So he was astonished when Megson informed him he was being released.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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