as in amazed
affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise
I was bowled over when the appraiser told me what the painting was worth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in surprised
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bowled over
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
The Giants won with a fourth-round rookie running back, Cam Skattebo, who bowled over a historically dominant Eagles front for a career-high 98 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
With a notably vivacious aroma and flavor, Heilala bowled over tasters with layered complexity.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Hawks marched up the field in just over two minutes, as senior running back Kyle Celestin bowled over a tackler on his way to the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown rush.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
He, too, was bowled over by the film's tear-jerking finale.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
She was bowled over when a person came in holding 10 boxes of diapers and a bunch of wipes to drop off.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
This Nix lowered his shoulder on one carry and bowled over Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
The Giants won with a fourth-round rookie running back, Cam Skattebo, who bowled over a historically dominant Eagles front for a career-high 98 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
With a notably vivacious aroma and flavor, Heilala bowled over tasters with layered complexity.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Hawks marched up the field in just over two minutes, as senior running back Kyle Celestin bowled over a tackler on his way to the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown rush.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
He, too, was bowled over by the film's tear-jerking finale.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
She was bowled over when a person came in holding 10 boxes of diapers and a bunch of wipes to drop off.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowled over
Adjective
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Questlove rewinds over and over, amazed at the band’s tightness.—
Touré,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
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The viral video sparked thousands of comments from amazed, and skeptical, viewers.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Plainly, Miami was surprised by how Louisville came out, Cards coach Jeff Brohm one-up on Cristobal’s staff.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
18 Oct. 2025
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But one woman's response to a fairly common interview question has surprised viewers on social media, leaving them in hysterics with her peculiar answer.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The stunned silence after her answer kind of says it all.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
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What has left me completely stunned is that Labubus are on sale, too—just not on Amazon.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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However, many of those watching Ray’s video were shocked at how long his daughter’s day at school was.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
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Then, when the movie came to Netflix in 2021 and there was an online resurgence, she was once again shocked to learn about the series' impact.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Under Kidman's Practical Magic 2 post, fans in the comments expressed excitement about the forthcoming sequel to the witchy cult classic — which was based on the 1995 Alice Hoffman novel of the same name — while others seemed astonished that filming for the movie has already finished.—
Nigel Smith,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, The Pitt only has two wins so far, but Shawn Hatosy wins most astonished speech.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Who jumped, startled, when Rey laughed nervously.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
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First baseman Michael Toglia covered his head, too, and was startled when the ball landed a few feet from him.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowled over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowled%20over. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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