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
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
This Nix lowered his shoulder on one carry and bowled over Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
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
This Nix lowered his shoulder on one carry and bowled over Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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Homendy said the helicopter altimeter discrepancy is what surprised her the most in this investigation.—
Sam Sweeney,
ABC News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Samsung has surprised users in recent months with some security fixes for devices even after support has ended.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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An artist who never fails to amaze me.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … PRIME PERFORMANCE – Trump-hating Hollywood stunned as ‘Melania’ documentary rakes in millions.—
,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
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The Jets scored two goals on only five third-period shots to stun a staggering Panthers bunch 2-1 at home.—
Adam Beasley,
Miami Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The criminal investigation, which Powell announced this month, shocked and infuriated senators, both Republican and Democratic.—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
30 Jan. 2026
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As the boy started singing, the crowd was shocked at his talent and began to cheer.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When vertebrate animals are startled, neurons in a brainstem region called the locus coeruleus release norepinephrine, a neuromodulator associated with arousal, along fibers that fan out across the brain.—
Ingrid Wickelgren,
Quanta Magazine,
30 Jan. 2026
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The birth of Endeavor startled Hollywood, but Endeavor’s subsequent takeover of powerhouse William Morris shook the town to its core.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Union leaders and hotel honchos were astonished to find Mayor Newsom out on the picket line, calling out the capitalists.—
Maya Singer,
Vogue,
1 Feb. 2026
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Don’t be astonished if Honeywell upwardly revises its earnings forecasts later in the year.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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