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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bombshell
Dubner anxiously laughed for what felt like a full minute after that bombshell of a Q.
—
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
Anderson has not shied away from embracing change in the past, proving the bombshell can do no wrong with her hair shades or styles.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
French actress Brigitte Bardot, a Hollywood bombshell of the 1950s and ’60s, died of cancer, her husband, Bernard d’Ormale confirmed.
—Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Then came an unexpected bombshell.
—Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
Anderson has not shied away from embracing change in the past, proving the bombshell can do no wrong with her hair shades or styles.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
French actress Brigitte Bardot, a Hollywood bombshell of the 1950s and ’60s, died of cancer, her husband, Bernard d’Ormale confirmed.
—Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Then came an unexpected bombshell.
—Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
Noun
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On Friday, Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at a concert organized by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello in Minneapolis, an event that benefitted the families of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, who were both killed by federal officers last month.—
Sandra Gonzalez,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
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After all, the award show always delivers on surprises.—
The Glamour editors,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Former detainees and human rights organizations have documented systematic torture and severe abuses inside the facility, including beatings, electric shocks, suspension by limbs, prolonged stress positions and other degrading treatment.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
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Fans were apoplectic, their initial shock quickly boiling to anger.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Scoring 100 points wasn’t something Harrington thought about much as an underclassmen, but felt a jolt to reach the milestone as Madigan and Carney did before her.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
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The status quo needs a massive jolt to put a fourth Heat championship in play.—
Greg Cote
January 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Government admits failures of Army pilots A few legal revelations have been unveiled in the weeks leading up to the board meeting, which could create longer term impact on the Army and other agencies involved.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
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Hyland, who’d been a revelation prior to his recent struggles, regained form in the win.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombshell. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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