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
After the Pacers also took Game 2, the Knicks turned the tables in Game 3 with a similar late fourth-quarter rally from a double-digit deficit that bowled over Indiana 106-100.
—
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 26 May 2025
Pour water to a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches in a small saucepan, and place a small stainless steel bowl over saucepan to make a double boiler, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
The lads were famously bowled over by an early listen, but the record Wilson poured his time into wasn’t an immediate critical or chart success back at home.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Cannes was bowled over by Trier’s Sentimental Value, giving it an astounding 15-minute loud, raucous and heartfelt standing ovation.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 26 May 2025
Pour water to a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches in a small saucepan, and place a small stainless steel bowl over saucepan to make a double boiler, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
The lads were famously bowled over by an early listen, but the record Wilson poured his time into wasn’t an immediate critical or chart success back at home.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Cannes was bowled over by Trier’s Sentimental Value, giving it an astounding 15-minute loud, raucous and heartfelt standing ovation.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
-
The scientists were surprised by how forceful human embryos are, especially compared to mouse embryos, which appear to lie passively as a womb envelopes them.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Indeed, Berkshire's disclosure surprised many market watchers: UnitedHealth has become the face of public dissatisfaction with the country's health care system, is currently facing an investigation into its Medicare billing practices and issued disappointing guidance last month.—
Josephine Rozzelle,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
DoorDash and Roblox make the list because there are always a couple of companies that amaze and can't be denied.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
4 Aug. 2025
-
What amazed many is that Brooks — who has earned just one All-Defense nod (second team in 2023) — isn’t more respected as a defender, especially because of his versatility.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Ralph stunned guests by wearing an 80-foot-long shawl that flowed behind her, covering the 72 steps leading up to the museum.—
Sarah Title,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Though the 25-year-old spent Thursday preparing for a Triple-A game in Buffalo, Roden wasn’t stunned to learned he’d been traded.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
His mother, Melissa, was shocked that the animal attacked despite the large crowd of people.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
In October of 2023, Nascar first announced iRacing’s acquisition of the rights to the new video game title, shocking the world after Motorsport Games’ demise.—
Joseph Wolkin,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Also, when purchasing hiking gear to wear for gorilla trekking, buy only neutral colors—like army green, khaki, black, and tan — to avoid startling them and drawing extra attention to yourself.—
Claire Gallam,
Travel + Leisure,
23 July 2025
-
However, the unexpected authenticity of the situation to her Memphis roots initially startled the artist.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
The Dolphins’ opening offensive series concluded with Wilson getting rocked on a third-down pass as center Daniel Brunskill failed to pick up a blitzer up the middle.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Mariah Carey rocks a chic black leather jacket and sunglasses while out and about in London on Aug. 15.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
This summer, his apples—and mountains and bathers and portraits of the solid citizens of Aix-en-Provence, his sunny, beloved birthplace—are the locus of a cornucopia of exhibitions and events that should astonish us.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
14 June 2025
-
Drive one on Germany's Autobahn, and you'd be astonished at the power and speed.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share