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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Frantic runs burst through the music, while the last movement surprises with its sudden force.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025 -
Customers in New York City, Green Bay and Austin, Texas, might even be surprised with a free lip balm duo at their local cafe, Panera said.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
Verb
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This creator, in the true sense of the word, adds a touch here and there, drapes or lets fall the folds of a cape or a huge collar, borrows from all the epochs of fashion and interprets them all, and in the sum total, never fails to amaze us with his exquisite audacity.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
-
The Teton Range, covered in powder, amazes as far as the eye can see.—
DeMarco Williams,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Dangerous enough to raise the stakes, but not too gruesome to shock young viewers.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
5 July 2025
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There have been nearly 2,000 episodes of the Real Housewives franchise at this point, so for these women to still find new ways to shock me is beyond remarkable.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
3 July 2025
Verb
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The rescue pup stunned judges with her brown and blue eyes, speckled fur, and inviting smile.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
1 July 2025
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Unlike games like Super Mario Galaxy, which allow P2 to sort of play along by shooting little stars to stun enemies, Bananza’s version of coop feels extremely robust and changes the entire game.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Your trash schedule might not be top of mind this Independence Day between going to fireworks displays, making a last-minute run to the grocery store or getting startled by loud booms.—
Eleanor Nash
July 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2025
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According to a crash report, a cicada flew into the driver's window, startling the driver.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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Two seagulls rode the air with outstretched wings, rocking side to side.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2025
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As Tyler Durden, Pitt struts with a cigarette in his mouth, rocking his sunglasses and trademark jackets.—
Derek Scancarelli,
EW.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Teoscar Hernández, as always right by Pages’ side, was astonished.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
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She is simultaneously astonished and grateful that there is a 50th Mr. Irrelevant.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
24 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Thunderstrike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderstrike. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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