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
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Recent Examples of bombshell
Five stories lead coverage in The Kansas City Star today, spanning a courtroom bombshell at KU Med, Royals ballpark speculation, a violent night in Kansas City, World Cup road construction updates and the arrival of patio season.
—
Ian Cummings, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
But the pregame bombshell, one that had been hinted at before Saturday, scrambled that speculation.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
The news in October that L’Oréal was to acquire Creed and partner with Kering in a joint venture, with the right to enter into a 50-year exclusive license to create products for Gucci once its license with Coty expires in 2028, acted as a further bombshell for the market.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026
Others said the ad was regressive, highlighting a blonde bombshell and catering to the objectifying male gaze.
—Anika Reed, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Ian Cummings, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
But the pregame bombshell, one that had been hinted at before Saturday, scrambled that speculation.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
The news in October that L’Oréal was to acquire Creed and partner with Kering in a joint venture, with the right to enter into a 50-year exclusive license to create products for Gucci once its license with Coty expires in 2028, acted as a further bombshell for the market.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026
Others said the ad was regressive, highlighting a blonde bombshell and catering to the objectifying male gaze.
—Anika Reed, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
Noun
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Back barring a surprise Marco Kasper Kasper’s second NHL season didn’t go according to plan, with his production dropping from 37 points as a rookie to 19 this season.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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The superstars’ set list didn’t deviate too far from their previous shows on the trek, but there were some surprises during the encore.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But Wright’s fieldwork largely predates the AI shock that has breathed new life into this push.—
Catherine Thorbecke,
Twin Cities,
25 Apr. 2026
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Leicester City achieved a similar feat 10 years ago, but that’s considered the greatest shock in modern football history.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Early-season trade possibilities There are a couple of bats the Red Sox could target to give their offense a jolt.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
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Experiencing a romantic or creative jolt?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Because Hunt knows that McCartney has heard that several times a day for 50 years, and such revelations are at minimum uninteresting and often invasive for a mega-celebrity.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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The Broward School Board plans to consider an outside investigation, more training and more oversight in response to the revelation that the district’s logo and $150 in district money were used in connection to a Democratic fundraiser.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombshell. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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