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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This reaction out of the travel ball hardo actually surprised me.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026 -
Morocco won’t surprise anyone this time around as it is ranked eighth in the world coming into the tourney.—
Greg Dudek,
Boston Herald,
1 June 2026
Verb
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What still amazes a man who has to be hard to impress is the Gunnison Tunnel.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
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The performance, supported by the Marc Dunworth Foundation for the Performing Arts, will include pulling a live rabbit out of a hat, levitating a volunteer and other tricks designed to amaze children and adults.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The Rockies scored five runs in the ninth on a three-run home run by Hunter Goodman and a walk-off, two-run homer by Ezequiel Tovar to shock the Giants in an electrifying 8-6 win at Coors Field.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
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Fans were shocked to learn a number of details about the actors behind Briar U’s charming student body, from who their real-life partners are to the fact that lead Ella Bright grew up in London and has a British accent.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Lithgow, to the contrary, was clearly stunned — and deeply honored.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
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The speed stunned Hamlin, who credited his team with some quick fixes that stabilized the wounded vehicle.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Verb
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The scale of what is emerging in China’s northwestern desert has left even seasoned analysts startled.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
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The spray of water should startle any squirrels, deer, or other wildlife trying to sneak fruit from your tree.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Verb
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With a turn of a crank, Edison astonished the dozen or so staffers who had gathered around the contraption.—
Ron Cowen,
Scientific American,
3 June 2026
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Needless to say, the Pinnacles' beauty has continued to both befuddle and astonish visitors today.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
2 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Thunderstrike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderstrike. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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