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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And finally, the world was amazed.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
29 Oct. 2025
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As the video gained more attention, people were amazed by how easy the hack was.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After surviving the massacre and making a recovery that surprised even her doctors, Sophia returned home in time to celebrate her upcoming 13th birthday, a family spokesperson told CNN.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
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Getting Better Every Day When asked about the Blue Jays’ strategy, Shapiro’s answer surprised students expecting to hear about championships first.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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When the former fed asked him how the script was proceeding, he was met with stunned silence.—
Steve Belanger,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
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Ashley was so stunned that she could be seen standing still for several seconds while trying to comprehend what was going on.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Steelers were shocked by Joe Flacco’s Bengals last week.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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The original movie shocked audiences, and its low-budget aesthetic helped make the madness look even more grisly, macabre and real.—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
25 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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Across America, Halloween spending is expected to reach record levels this year, including large crowds waiting for their chance to be chased, startled and screamed at.—
Isabel Rosales,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
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White disappears completely into the role without skirting parody, portraying the exhausted hitmaker as startled by his own numbness, blanked out and unsure of what to do next.—
Sadie Sartini Garner,
Pitchfork,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowled over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowled%20over. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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