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
-
Demand for the prog-rockers surprised even Rush stalwarts Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
Deoras said the discovery of those invariants was the finding that surprised him most.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
This technology still amazes me.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
8 June 2026
-
What still amazes a man who has to be hard to impress is the Gunnison Tunnel.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 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
-
You'll be shocked to know that Lugo will be going through concussion protocol before his next start.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
-
Dozens of older homes, most built during the area’s postwar building boom, were in a state of shocking disrepair.—
The Conversation,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
The combination of flashing light and movement startles them.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
-
Her voice startled me, both rough and smooth—like a bottle of whiskey set in front of a princess.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 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 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
