thunderstrike

verb

ˈthən-dər-ˌstrīk How to pronounce thunderstrike (audio)
Definition of thunderstrikenext
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
  1. surprise
  2. amaze
  3. shock
  4. stun
  5. startle
  6. astonish
Verb
  • With K-pop becoming more global, which has made TWICE global sensations, Jihyo is surprised by how many collaborations K-pop artists have had with Western artists.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • She was definitely received like a rock star surprising their fans.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026
Definition of surprise
Verb
  • Just before halftime, van Persie slipped past the Spanish defensive line to receive a long-range pass from teammate Daley Blind and looped the ball over Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a first-time diving header that amazed the audience.
    — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
  • For the majority of viewers who held out for the subscription streaming release rather than paying to rent or purchase, this news is amaze, amaze, amaze.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of amaze
Verb
  • Englert and McLeod are agonizingly shocked when Anastasia and Sasha, on separate ships, hear each others’ voices for the first time in months, and realize the depths of their longing.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
  • Several of the companies were shocked by the number of requirements levied in the NASA documents.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
Definition of shock
Verb
  • Outsiders were stunned by this American phenomenon, which was at times both refreshing, and kinda sad.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • Current and former Homeland Security officials and federal law enforcement officers were stunned Monday evening by the department’s explanation of what unfolded in Maine, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man.
    — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
Definition of stun
Verb
  • Pochettino’s sources of American sports culture inspiration There were some aspects of American culture, and specifically American sports culture, that clearly startled Pochettino.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Today Twain would be startled by the passivity of a once-mighty Congress that has all but crumbled in the face of pressure from the White House.
    — Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of startle
Verb
  • Having walked through factory floors, presented in boardrooms across five continents and coached leaders through every wave of disruption automation could throw at them, I am astonished at how fast AI adoption is currently escalating.
    — Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Ice at a party doesn’t sound revolutionary today (think of how many tons of it that wedding at MSG must’ve used), but on this day in 1850, when waiters appeared carrying bottles of champagne on ice, guests—accustomed to warm wine—were astonished.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026
Definition of astonish
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

thunderstorms
thunderstrike
thunderstrikes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thunderstrike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderstrike. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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