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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That’s the one that surprised him the most.—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025 -
Pashkov wasn’t the only pro dancer surprised by the judges during dedication night.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At Taiwan’s National Palace Museum, a jade cabbage continues to amaze visitors with its striking resemblance to the real vegetable.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
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Personality-wise, Luca amazes me.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In their wake, many Americans are justifiably alarmed and shocked by the scale of government force.—
Josiah Bates,
Time,
14 Oct. 2025
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Instead of pulling himself up, Red Hood shocks the hero with a hand buzzer and falls into the chemicals.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Community left stunned, vigil created for victims Photos posted by WSAV on Facebook show a vigil outside of Willie's Bar and Grill to pay tribute to the victims.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
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Buffalo experienced their first loss in Week 5, as they were stunned by the New England Patriots with a final score of 23-20.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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It’s designed for convenience and quiet operation, featuring a sleep mode that won't startle anyone.—
Christine Persaud,
USA Today,
11 Oct. 2025
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Who jumped, startled, when Rey laughed nervously.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mass protests in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines in recent years have also rocked South and Southeast Asia as young people fight against poverty and corruption.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
14 Oct. 2025
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Also at the game was Travis Kelce's fiancée, Taylor Swift, who rocked an outfit that screamed Chiefs pride.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The discovery astonished scientists, but so did the person who made it.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
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Hollywood leaders were astonished; free speech groups were appalled; and the episode triggered a multi-day news cycle about free speech and corporate capitulation to political pressure.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Thunderstrike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderstrike. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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