bombshell

noun

ˈbäm-ˌshel How to pronounce bombshell (audio)
Definition of bombshellnext
as in surprise
something that makes a strong impression because it is so unexpected discovering that I had a long-lost sister was an absolute bombshell

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of bombshell Taleno, who migrated with his family to Hialeah at age 3, did indeed first get to know the Colombian bombshell back in her soap opera and TV hosting days. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 In addition to the eight finalists, original cast members, bombshells and Casa Amor contestants also filmed the reunion. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 Ahead, find out more about Hollywood icon, blonde bombshell and Mariska Hargitay’s mom, Jayne Mansfield. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 The Democratic National Committee is both broke and broken, a New York Times bombshell last weekend detailed. — Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
  1. surprise
  2. shock
  3. jolt
  4. revelation
Noun
  • There’s one guest, though, who took him by surprise the most.
    — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Robert is then crowned king, much to Thom and Bret’s surprise.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • But there are key things that are going to put upward pressure on inflation, besides tariffs and the oil price shock and the commodities supply chain shock that is flowing through now.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Breman noted that price shocks stemming from the Middle East conflict have not fully dissipated.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • Many reported the worst jolts to the head coming near the end.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Nicki Minaj arrives with a playful verse that adds another jolt of personality before the song launches back into its dance-floor pulse.
    — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • The demonstrations were sparked by revelations of a widespread customs fraud scheme and ultimately led to the resignation of Pres.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the main revelation is that trading is the only one of the four functions supported by approximately a decade of measurement.
    — Nia Bowers, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of revelation

Browse Nearby Words

bombs
bombshell
bombshells
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Cite this Entry

“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombshell. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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