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
Relevance
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
The Hollywood bombshell was born and raised near Smithfield before becoming one of the biggest screen icons of the Golden Age of cinema, starring alongside names like Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
So far, there are no bombshells, based on a USA TODAY review of the documents, and early social media postings from other media and the legions of UFO-ologists out there.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 12 June 2026
After dropping this bombshell, Jo-Ellen showed Rulla a text message between Brian and the alleged woman, which Rulla didn't believe.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Six bombshells—Gabriel Vasconcelos, Kayda Bosse, Corbin Mims, Caleb McDaniel, Sol Dean, Jen Terry—have also joined in on the fun, but why did the hit reality series stop airing all of a sudden?
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
So far, there are no bombshells, based on a USA TODAY review of the documents, and early social media postings from other media and the legions of UFO-ologists out there.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 12 June 2026
After dropping this bombshell, Jo-Ellen showed Rulla a text message between Brian and the alleged woman, which Rulla didn't believe.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Six bombshells—Gabriel Vasconcelos, Kayda Bosse, Corbin Mims, Caleb McDaniel, Sol Dean, Jen Terry—have also joined in on the fun, but why did the hit reality series stop airing all of a sudden?
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
Noun
-
The entire Knicks roster, head coach Mike Brown and other surprise guests will make appearances in the special episode.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
15 June 2026
-
Hearing about the practice took me by surprise — the farm did what with that milk?—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The standoff triggered one of the largest oil shocks ever recorded, sending gasoline prices higher.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
13 June 2026
-
Most American soccer fans wouldn’t hesitate in saying that the United States winning the World Cup would clearly be a much bigger shock than the group of literal amateurs upsetting the greatest ice hockey team on watch at the 1980 winter games.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
When our main character starts lowering her defenses, however, that’s when she’s hit by a jolt that sends her spiraling.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
Biting into that first jolt of powerful mustard and beef is always bliss.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
That revelation quickly caused Stewart to switch gears.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
16 June 2026
-
The revelation comes as Kansas City prepares to host a matchup between Argentina and Algeria on Tuesday, the first of six World Cup matches in the city.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombshell. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
