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
Before you get bowled over by a new enthusiasm, do some checking.
—
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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Pacer Hasan Ali dismissed Shadman Islam for 10, with Saud Shakeel taking a catch at gully after the batter was surprised by the extra bounce.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 May 2026
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Something super fascinating there that really surprised me.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 May 2026
Verb
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I'mPhaedra Trethan, amazed at these quick-thinking kids.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Even so, the precise observations captured by these telescopes never cease to amaze me.—
Olivia Harper Wilkins,
The Conversation,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Days after the shooting stunned Shreveport, a whirlwind of police lights, camera crews and grieving relatives swarmed the neighborhood where the killings unfolded, the streets vibrating with sirens, the air shrouded in questions and disbelief.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
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The following year, a judge sentenced her to 10 years in prison on possession and drug trafficking charges – a ruling that stunned her family.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
10 May 2026
Verb
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The father refused and shocked the doctor by going even further.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
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McGrath's family was shocked by the results of the 2025 trial.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Victor turned to her, startled.—
‘Pemi Aguda,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
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Peafowl can also disturb landscaping and startle people with their piercing screams.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nordstrom has really sweet jewelry pieces at not-astonishing price points.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
29 Apr. 2026
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Now, without looking at the whole queue, just take yourself outside or simply close your eyes and allow one of the most prolific, popular and trusted tunesmiths this country has ever produced to astonish you.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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