BOWLED OVER Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

bowled over 1 of 2

adjective

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bowled over

2 of 2

verb

past tense of bowl over

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

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 bowled over

Verb

One woman filed a lawsuit against the event’s organizers after she allegedly was bowled over during a crowd rush, sustaining multiple injuries. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 Yet, as with Lebanon, Middle East watchers were bowled over to discover that the MOU codified Iran’s claim to a say in administering passage through the strait. — Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026 This is yet another example of how an excellent piece of literature could be bowled over by controversy. — Spin Team, SPIN, 22 June 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowled over

Adjective

Hard to find anybody who is not amazed by both his talent and his humility.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Boone was especially amazed that the museum has a 20-foot segment of the 360-foot communications antenna that once rose from the North Tower.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of amazed

Verb

What may have surprised even modern sports fans, however, was Ole Miss' suing two of its former players who followed former Rebels coach Lane Kiffin to his new position as head football coach at LSU.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
At the time, the move surprised many investors, as it was widely assumed Abel would not take over until after Buffett's death.

— Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of surprised

Adjective

So stunned was Sarkisian that the 52-year-old coach completely forgot how to form big-boy words with his mouth.

— Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Fernández’s adaptation is anxious to turn tragedy into a sermon, offering theatergoers moral solace where Sophocles leaves his audience in a contemplative state of stunned silence.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of stunned

Verb

The body-baring, barely there costume shocked some of her fans who weren’t used to seeing so much of her flesh.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026
Yemen’s government was shocked by slow Saudi response The Houthis have been attacking Saudi shipping on the Red Sea since declaring a blockade in July, as well as hitting oil infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia.

— Fatma Khaled, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of shocked

Adjective

Further stories illuminate emotional realities burrowed deep within enormously likeable characters, often moving the reader (or this reader anyway) to astonished tears.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
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