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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Going Solo, surprising his daughters and fans Of course, the girls are the Jonas Brothers and Kevin’s biggest fans.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
9 Oct. 2025 -
Fallon ended the chat by surprising the trio with the presentation of the platinum plaque for the movie’s soundtrack.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In 2023, Maggie's husband and Paul's father Alex was found guilty of their murders, after shocking revelations about his drug use, financial fraud and other criminal activity.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
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But with shocking vet-on-vet crime, impressive rookies, and ever-shifting alliances, there has yet to be a weak episode.—
EW Staff,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a follow-up video, the owner revealed a gentle method for waking the puppy without startling her.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bowling over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowling%20over. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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