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
Relevance
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
When ready to serve, unwrap the top of the cake and place a cake plate over the top of the bowl Turn the bowl over to release the cake and gently pull back the plastic wrap and discard it.
—
Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
Place a heat-safe bowl over a pot filled with water to reach ½-inch below the bowl.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
Place a heat-safe bowl over a pot filled with water to reach ½-inch below the bowl.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
-
None of this would have surprised a previous generation of German thinkers—the group known as the Institute for Social Research, or the Frankfurt School.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
-
Stage Is Only One Piece of the Story One reason patients are surprised by the complexity of early breast cancer is that stage alone doesn’t tell the full story.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
More than 30 years later, what amazes me isn’t just what that team accomplished on the field.—
Charlie Davies,
New York Times,
9 June 2026
-
This technology still amazes me.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Brazil, meanwhile, had to battle back after Morocco stunned them with a goal before the first hydration break.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
While posing for photos at the event, Scherzinger stunned in a strapless black Zuhair Murad gown with a structured corset bodice with sheer fabric and fabric draped on the hips.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
In a phone interview with The Times, her sister, Vanessa Marseille, said the family was shocked and devastated over the incident.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
The audience was definitely shocked and also touched.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
While the cameras were rolling, Spielberg would stand just out of frame with two wooden bats, banging them together to startle her.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2026
-
To his luck, the sound finally startled the bear and sent it running.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund's film feels like a good novel, with art, crime, love, and squalor all intersecting in a cohesive story that manages to astonish.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
-
In the days after her state-meet performance, she still was astonished by her record-setting discus throw.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
