as in amazing
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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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowling over
Verb
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In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The pair’s secret romance was already woven into Season 1, surprising those who’ve read the source material since Allie and Dean are the focus of the third book in the series.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
28 May 2026
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Delano and Sybil were on hand to celebrate Melvin's first day, surprising him on set.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Just one quick perusal of Corrin’s Instagram comments reveals shocking bigotry.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
31 May 2026
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First responders performed chest compressions for five minutes before shocking her heart, which revived her.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Some cyclists sped by pretty quickly, startling us and our dog.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
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Hauge called that startling, given that court filing fees alone cost just as much.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Nordstrom has really sweet jewelry pieces at not-astonishing price points.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
29 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Bowling over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowling%20over. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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