bowl over

verb

Definition of bowl overnext
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

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 bowl over The lawsuit was filed in Jackson County Circuit Court on Thursday on behalf of Abby Grizzell, of Lee’s Summit, who attorneys said was bowled over and trampled by a group of youths on June 6. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026 So far, the league appears to be taking a slower path, rather than trying to bowl over players at the outset. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 25 June 2026 This is yet another example of how an excellent piece of literature could be bowled over by controversy. — Spin Team, SPIN, 22 June 2026 Place the bowl over the simmering water, ensuring the bottom does not touch the water, and whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 160 degrees. — Kate Bradshaw, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
  1. surprise
  2. amaze
  3. stun
  4. shock
  5. startle
  6. astonish
Verb
  • This one will be physical and Aldis might just surprise some people.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Fans online were surprised by the sudden closure announcement on Sunday.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026
Definition of surprise
Verb
  • His greatness is never in question, but to have the league at a standstill because of a 41-year-old free agent amazes me.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Just before halftime, van Persie slipped past the Spanish defensive line to receive a long-range pass from teammate Daley Blind and looped the ball over Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a first-time diving header that amazed the audience.
    — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
Definition of amaze
Verb
  • It should be noted that Hong is a former star soccer player himself and captained the 2002 South Korean national team that stunned the world by finishing in fourth place at the World Cup.
    — Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The announcement itself was unremarkable, but many were stunned to learn that the technology was fitted to 2014–2022 models, including cars with current 4G hardware.
    — Michael Harley, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
Definition of stun
Verb
  • The move shocked the global scientific community and landed him in jail for three years.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Twain and Marie-Anne became close friends, and Twain was shocked to learn that Marie-Anne and Lange had been allegedly carrying on an extramarital affair—losing both her husband and her best friend in one fell swoop.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Definition of shock
Verb
  • Witness Hoon Chan Sim, 53, was sitting on a park lawn with his dog near West Drive when he was startled by the squeal of braking tires, and spun around to see the horrific collision.
    — Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Wildlife experts say black bears are strong climbers and may scale trees, utility poles or other tall structures when startled by people, traffic or dogs.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of startle
Verb
  • Having walked through factory floors, presented in boardrooms across five continents and coached leaders through every wave of disruption automation could throw at them, I am astonished at how fast AI adoption is currently escalating.
    — Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Ice at a party doesn’t sound revolutionary today (think of how many tons of it that wedding at MSG must’ve used), but on this day in 1850, when waiters appeared carrying bottles of champagne on ice, guests—accustomed to warm wine—were astonished.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026
Definition of astonish

Browse Nearby Words

bowling over
bowl over
bowls
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Cite this Entry

“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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