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

The lawsuit was filed in Jackson County Circuit Court on Thursday on behalf of Abby Grizzell, of Lee’s Summit, who attorneys said was bowled over and trampled by a group of youths on June 6. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 27 June 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 Christian Barmore bowled over center Bradley Bozeman to box in Herbert. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowled over

Adjective

Still, even the skeptics remained amazed by the film’s sheer size.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 15 July 2026
Ultimately, however, what matters most is a willingness to be surprised, to be amazed, and to embrace the unexpected.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026

Definition of amazed

Adjective

Our team reports that as people emerge from the life-or-death struggle for survival, which eclipsed all thought and numbed sensations, their trauma is transforming into a stunned grief.

— James Gordon, Time, 14 July 2026
And when Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte evened the score with a right footed shot from a difficult angle at the 59-minute mark, the stunned stadium went silent, minus two small spirited clots of Cape Verde fans in the East end zone seats.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Definition of stunned

Verb

But Muñoz was shocked to learn that many Mexicans fear that the private collection’s future in Mexico may be in doubt.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
In fact, McKillips says he wouldn’t be shocked if the sport’s next breakout star first picked up a club at one of the company’s driving ranges instead of a country club.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 14 July 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

Verb

The owner was reportedly startled and dropped the leash before the two animals fought, DEEP officials said.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
Pochettino’s sources of American sports culture inspiration There were some aspects of American culture, and specifically American sports culture, that clearly startled Pochettino.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026