Thesaurus results for BOWL OVER

bowl over

verb

Definition of bowl over

as in to surprise

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected she was bowled over to learn that she had a long-lost sister

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 bowl over The mixture is cooked in a double boiler (or in a stainless-steel bowl over a pot of simmering water) until thick, creating a custard-like consistency. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026 Place a medium heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 10 July 2026 So far, the league appears to be taking a slower path, rather than trying to bowl over players at the outset. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 25 June 2026 This is yet another example of how an excellent piece of literature could be bowled over by controversy. — Spin Team, SPIN, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bowl over

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over

Verb

Ramirez-Smith, whose law firm is located in Nampa, Canyon County’s largest city, wasn’t surprised by how closely the Canyon County probation department was working with ICE.

— Rachel Spacek, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
One person not surprised by Yancy’s win was Lauren Beth Gash, the founding chair of the Tenth Congressional District Democrats.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

The raid shocked the community, leading to low attendance at the Wilder School District the day after the raid, according to reporting from the Idaho Statesman.

— Rachel Spacek, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
The news shocked scientists and engineers across NASA missions, who were suddenly dealt a dose of uncertainty as their job security teetered in political limbo.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of shock

Verb

This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.

— Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of startle

Verb

Booming demand Anthropic’s growth has been astonishing even by Silicon Valley standards.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026
Taken during Yeltsin’s trip to America months before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, the photos show the former Russian president astonished by the variety of frozen foods at Randall’s supermarket in Houston.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of astonish

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bowling over

bowl over

bowls

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“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bowl over

verb

Example Sentences

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