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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However, this time around, Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, opted to fly business class on Qantas, surprising some of their fellow fliers on the flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
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Across social media, videos show pups reacting to everything from fake treats and disappearing acts to harmless tricks like surprising them on walks outside, leaving them confused, curious and hilariously offended.—
Kendall Malinchock,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However unlikely, here are four keys to the Kings shocking the world to advance for the first time since 2014.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
18 Apr. 2026
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Leo had particularly choice words after Trump threatened last week to destroy Iran in terms shocking even to many of his own supporters.—
Chicago Tribune,
Twin Cities,
17 Apr. 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
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Cite this Entry
“Bowling over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowling%20over. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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