as in to surprise
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
everyone was thunderstruck when she quit her job without warning
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thunderstrike
Verb
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Previous Spirit Airlines customers, however, may still be surprised by the Delta price tag.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
4 May 2026 -
Did Laurie’s approach to playing Linda surprise you?—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
4 May 2026
Verb
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I'mPhaedra Trethan, amazed at these quick-thinking kids.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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That is my bread and butter, to amaze people that like getting to the bottom of things.—
Eric Fayeulle,
ABC News,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The family of the teenage girl who allegedly was killed and dismembered by rising musician D4vd said they were shocked and horrified by the details revealed in court this week, according to a statement released by the family attorney.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
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An odd pattern has also emerged over the last decade, of shocking personnel moves coinciding with the Yankees coming to Fenway.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
Verb
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When the Met Gala honored Gianni Versace in 1997, Salma Hayek stunned in leather and was not shy about showing some skin.—
Alex Apatoff,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
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On Friday, some were stunned by news of Herbst’s resignation — including the mayor.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Peafowl can also disturb landscaping and startle people with their piercing screams.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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The gunfire startled sleeping guests at the Citizen Hotel, which included a wedding party and fans of the rapper Tyler the Creator, who performed at a concert hours earlier.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 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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Now, without looking at the whole queue, just take yourself outside or simply close your eyes and allow one of the most prolific, popular and trusted tunesmiths this country has ever produced to astonish you.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Thunderstrike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderstrike. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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