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
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Recent Examples of bowl over
Before you get bowled over by a new enthusiasm, do some checking.
—
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026
Gerwig was bowled over by how Pascal took a chance on her.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026
Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
Start by heating the chocolate and butter in a bowl over very low heat, stirring to combine.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026
Gerwig was bowled over by how Pascal took a chance on her.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026
Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
Start by heating the chocolate and butter in a bowl over very low heat, stirring to combine.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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Given this, what still surprises me is how rarely art schools teach the business realities of being an artist – and how often artists cling to the belief that their art alone will make their careers.—
Magnus Resch,
ARTnews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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For decades, Mars has surprised scientists with evidence of ancient rivers, shifting sands and the chemical fingerprints of past water.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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I'mPhaedra Trethan, amazed at these quick-thinking kids.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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That is my bread and butter, to amaze people that like getting to the bottom of things.—
Eric Fayeulle,
ABC News,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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When the Met Gala honored Gianni Versace in 1997, Salma Hayek stunned in leather and was not shy about showing some skin.—
Alex Apatoff,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
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On Friday, some were stunned by news of Herbst’s resignation — including the mayor.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The family of the teenage girl who allegedly was killed and dismembered by rising musician D4vd said they were shocked and horrified by the details revealed in court this week, according to a statement released by the family attorney.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
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An odd pattern has also emerged over the last decade, of shocking personnel moves coinciding with the Yankees coming to Fenway.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Peafowl can also disturb landscaping and startle people with their piercing screams.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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The gunfire startled sleeping guests at the Citizen Hotel, which included a wedding party and fans of the rapper Tyler the Creator, who performed at a concert hours earlier.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nordstrom has really sweet jewelry pieces at not-astonishing price points.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
29 Apr. 2026
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Now, without looking at the whole queue, just take yourself outside or simply close your eyes and allow one of the most prolific, popular and trusted tunesmiths this country has ever produced to astonish you.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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