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
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Recent Examples of bowled over
Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 10 Apr. 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
Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
Lewis was bowled over by Lee’s research, which included the revelation that an early version of Goldman Sachs was a venture investor in Clarence Birdseye’s flash-freezing method; Birdseye studied as an ornithologist (as well as a taxidermist, fur trader, hunter, and fish lobbyist).
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Christian Barmore bowled over center Bradley Bozeman to box in Herbert.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
We were completely bowled over, just in total disbelief.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
This Nix lowered his shoulder on one carry and bowled over Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
Hicks was bowled over by Spence early in the third period, was very slow to get up but stayed in the game and held the Pioneers in the game despite Michigan’s taking over in terms of possession, shots and chances.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 10 Apr. 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
Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
Lewis was bowled over by Lee’s research, which included the revelation that an early version of Goldman Sachs was a venture investor in Clarence Birdseye’s flash-freezing method; Birdseye studied as an ornithologist (as well as a taxidermist, fur trader, hunter, and fish lobbyist).
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Christian Barmore bowled over center Bradley Bozeman to box in Herbert.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
We were completely bowled over, just in total disbelief.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
This Nix lowered his shoulder on one carry and bowled over Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowled over
Adjective
-
Don’t Keep Sitting in the Same Old Blind I’m amazed at how many hunters will pick a field edge to hunt for the season and just wait… and wait.—
Alex Robinson,
Outdoor Life,
16 Apr. 2026
-
On every stop, journalists were amazed by the American public’s rapturous response to Edward.—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
You’d be surprised how many students hold their breath while exercising.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The appearance of Celia Cruz, the undisputed queen of salsa, among the 2026 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, may have surprised some.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Rolling Stone,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Summer Anne Lee, a presidential fashion historian and professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), told Newsweek at the time that Sánchez Bezos’ fashion statement on the historic day left her stunned.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The Detroit Red Wings sat on the bench, stewing in stunned silence, after their latest loss sealed their fate as a franchise relegated to watching the NHL playoffs on TV.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The final meeting between the Celtics and Magic came on Sunday when Boston's bench players shocked Orlando's starters in a 113-108 win.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, who was dragged into the mob and suffered a heart attack after a rioter shocked him with a stun gun, was disappointed but not surprised by the latest milestone in the dismantling of Capitol riot prosecutions.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
One that draws more approving thumbs-ups, creates more astonished grins, or pulls more phones from pockets for impromptu photographs and video—especially in stunning Verde Ermes metallic paint.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
19 Jan. 2026
-
Live, the 11-year-old actor shared his astonished reaction to getting the note.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Horner dropped a package, McGuire said, and was startled by the team.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Littrell walked up to the man, who appeared to be startled by the singer's presence.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The baseball-loving family members were thunderstruck at spotting the T206 Honus Wagner in the frame.—
Marin Independent Journal,
Mercury News,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowled over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowled%20over. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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