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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Short has previously praised his Oscar-winning costar for her demeanor on set, sharing what might surprise fans most about working with her.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026 -
The sharp rebound has surprised some market watchers because the conflict remains unresolved and a fragile ceasefire faces looming deadlines.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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The wildly colorful installations, in both the garden and the indoor galleries, are sure to amaze.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In 1999, the Institute of Medicine’s landmark report To Err Is Human shocked the nation by estimating that 44,000 to 98,000 Americans were dying each year from preventable medical errors.—
Joe Kiani,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
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The accomplishment shocked military planners everywhere.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The South Bay’s theater and vocal world were stunned by the sudden passing of Fang Klein, a popular performer, vocal instructor and performing arts advocate, with tributes throughout social media pouring in from all corners of the community.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
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The teen’s murder stunned parkgoers.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 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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Eszterhas was astonished when his script began circulating in the early ’90s, and word came back that Steven Spielberg allegedly wanted to direct it.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
15 Apr. 2026
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So he was astonished when Megson informed him he was being released.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Thunderstrike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderstrike. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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