bowl over

verb

Definition of bowl overnext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bowl over Yet, as with Lebanon, Middle East watchers were bowled over to discover that the MOU codified Iran’s claim to a say in administering passage through the strait. — Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026 In a bowl over simmering water (aka double boiler), melt butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026 The mixture is cooked in a double boiler (or in a stainless-steel bowl over a pot of simmering water) until thick, creating a custard-like consistency. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026 Place a medium heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
  1. surprise
  2. amaze
  3. stun
  4. shock
  5. startle
  6. astonish
Verb
  • Plus, the reception desk has surprise toys and giveaways for children to discover like paper and crayons for drawing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Another iPhone Duo change could surprise travelers Apple has made the iPhone Duo eSIM-only worldwide.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of surprise
Verb
  • After dressing up as an anthropomorphic worm, an incredibly realistic ET, and a chimpanzee complete with prosthetic facial features and ears, the supermodel is ready to amaze us once again.
    — Alfredo Toriello, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The 2026 guide has 29 new gems; that number includes a few places that had formerly dropped off the list but now return, having amazed us once again.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of amaze
Verb
  • University of Central Arkansas economist Jeremy Horpedahl was stunned by Polson's productivity.
    — TODD WALLACK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • This was just one example that created plenty of confusion for viewers at home, while the home Missouri crowd was left stunned.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of stun
Verb
  • Back in 2024, Verstappen shocked the world with a wet-weather drive for the ages here, finishing first after starting from P17 on the grid.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Paxton attendees were shocked at the blue tsunami that engulfed the country.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of shock
Verb
  • The bill is named after Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist from India who was killed when a horse got startled and threw him from a carriage in Central Park.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Doing so can startle the dog and make the barking worse, LaSala says.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of startle
Verb
  • Friday is astonished to realize Ultron sees himself as Vision’s father and values his good opinion.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Art Nichols, a kidney recipient who had his transplant operation performed at Northwestern Medicine in September, was astonished to learn that his organ donor was his daughter, Natalie.
    — Jane Miller, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of astonish

Browse Nearby Words

bowling over
bowl over
bowls
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Cite this Entry

“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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