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

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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

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Example Sentences

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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

For now, that gives New Yorkers one more reason to stop, look up, and be amazed.

— Nick Caloway, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
Historian George is still amazed at the resilience of the neighborhood.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of amazed

Verb

One early adopter, Matt Robb, gave Muse the keys to his Facebook Marketplace account and was surprised when buyers started showing up at his front door ready to pick up their purchase.

— Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
Some Republicans aren’t surprised by the backseat role Musk has taken.

— Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of surprised

Adjective

It was released as the third of the three-pack of new albums Drake dropped to stunned audiences this May.

— Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
As Bijan Robinson raced down the sideline and the rest of his Falcons teammates sprinted in pursuit, a mixture of an eerie hush and a stunned buzz fell over Caesars Superdome from a crowd still not entirely settled in its seats.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of stunned

Verb

Officers issued verbal orders, and one officer deployed a Taser, whose probes shocked the suspect, the spokesman said.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026
In August 2018, the mysterious disappearance of pregnant Shanann Watts and her daughters Bella and Celeste shocked the town of Frederick, Colorado.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 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

Definition of astonished

Adjective

At a New Year’s Eve ball at the Chelsea School of Art in 1961, Saville, in his mid-30s and long married, was thunderstruck at the sight of the 23-year-old Pauline Boty, and the two commenced an affair.

— Sean Wilentz, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Dolly was thunderstruck but hardly resigned to life as a has-been.

— Martha Ackmann, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026