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
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
Place the butter, molasses, honey, ginger, and water in a large bowl, place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, and whisk until the butter is melted and everything is warm and well combined.
—Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025
Swiss meringues are made whipping egg whites and sugar together with the bowl over boiling water until the sugar is dissolved and then whipped again.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Sean Gregory, Time, 5 Dec. 2025
We were completely bowled over, just in total disbelief.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
Place the butter, molasses, honey, ginger, and water in a large bowl, place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, and whisk until the butter is melted and everything is warm and well combined.
—Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025
Swiss meringues are made whipping egg whites and sugar together with the bowl over boiling water until the sugar is dissolved and then whipped again.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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But head coach Alvaro Arbeloa surprised everyone by picking academy graduate David Jimenez at right-back.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Trollope wouldn’t have been surprised at Epstein’s rise and fall.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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What amazed me the most was the remains of what appeared to be a tall conifer — possibly a cypress or cedar — on Edgar Street in Pacific Palisades, where the Palisades fire ravaged an entire street.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 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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Fennell likes to shock, and her newest film has successfully provoked many strong reactions.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
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Nancy Guthrie’s abduction from her home in the upscale Catalina Foothills north of Tucson, Arizona, shocked the nation.—
Michael Ruiz , Adriana James-Rodil,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Twyla Tharp’s ballet Push Comes to Shove, which premiered in 1976, startled and delighted audiences with its coy, self-referential humor, and its flirtation with popular dance styles such as jazz and tango.—
Sara Krolewski,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
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After several chest compressions, Briana startled awake and cried.—
Jayme Fraser,
USA Today,
4 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 17 Feb. 2026.
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