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
Pour water to a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches in a small saucepan, and place a small stainless steel bowl over saucepan to make a double boiler, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl.
—
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
The lads were famously bowled over by an early listen, but the record Wilson poured his time into wasn’t an immediate critical or chart success back at home.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Cannes was bowled over by Trier’s Sentimental Value, giving it an astounding 15-minute loud, raucous and heartfelt standing ovation.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Drizzle any remaining oil left in the bowl over the chicken.
—Cathy Thomas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
The lads were famously bowled over by an early listen, but the record Wilson poured his time into wasn’t an immediate critical or chart success back at home.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Cannes was bowled over by Trier’s Sentimental Value, giving it an astounding 15-minute loud, raucous and heartfelt standing ovation.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Drizzle any remaining oil left in the bowl over the chicken.
—Cathy Thomas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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McLaren Racing Formula One driver Oscar Piastri was surprised by the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying result after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set a fastest time of 1:15.372, securing his first pole position of the season.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
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The campaign claims Bronin’s early haul is twice what Larson had in cash on hand at the end of Q2, though the congressman was surprised by the flurry of challenges to what until now has been his certain reelection.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Its steadfast dedication to its classic roots, combined with a fearless spirit of innovation, results in pieces that never fail to amaze.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
14 July 2025
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Red tint amazes skywatchers Smartphones not enough to capture moon's beauty What would a lunar eclipse look like if the earth was flat?—
Jenny Porter Tilley,
Louisville Courier Journal,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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While she was alarmed by shiny black leggings, slingback boots, and a jean jacket, I was equally stunned by her Pentecostal version of nurses’ scrubs; a powder blue, boxy dress with a matching jacket and headwrap.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 July 2025
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For their part, other village trustees seemed shocked and stunned by these accounts.—
Jerry Shnay,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
Verb
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John Cena turning heel, meaning changing from a good to bad character, shocked the WWE Universe like nothing that had come before it and even reverberated throughout the sports and pop culture world at large.—
Skyler Trepel,
People.com,
30 July 2025
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Horner's sudden exit after a 20-year association with Red Bull shocked the F1 world.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
Verb
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He remains easily startled by loud noises, avoids direct eye contact, and is wary of new visitors.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 July 2025
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The formidable climb of YouTube in audience and influence has indeed startled the pop culture universe.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
17 July 2025
Verb
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Kenosha rocked by civil unrest The city of Kenosha was rocked by civil unrest in 2020 after a police officer shot Jacob Blake, a Black man, seven times.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
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Last year, Marvel Studios' Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con rocked the pop culture convention and broke the internet.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Morgan, who lives in Knoxville, Tenn., was astonished.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
24 July 2025
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Volunteers were astonished by the language in some of the deeds.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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