as in amazed
affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise
I was bowled over when the appraiser told me what the painting was worth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in surprised
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bowled over
Jesse Newell, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
She was bowled over when a person came in holding 10 boxes of diapers and a bunch of wipes to drop off.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
Twice, he’s been bowled over by pass rushers, finding himself off balance while falling backward at first contact.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
She was bowled over when a person came in holding 10 boxes of diapers and a bunch of wipes to drop off.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowled over
Adjective
-
The archers were amazed at how strong the bow was for its size.—
Clare Conley,
Outdoor Life,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Kaelen Culpepper is amazed by how his former Wichita teammate prepares for games in the cage, a regimen Jenkins says is years in the making.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The film’s worldwide popularity has surprised even its creators.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
20 Sep. 2025
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Teixeira’s entry into the political field still surprised some people who covered him during his time with the Rangers.—
Taylor Millard,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The sight left her stunned, and panic set in quickly.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
19 Sep. 2025
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While sitting at his desk, Colbert read aloud portions of an article confirming Kimmel’s suspension to the stunned studio audience, according to one audience member, Monserrat Lopez.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Canvas Stadium crowd isn’t shocked at the outcome, considering the struggles of two weeks ago.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
19 Sep. 2025
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In a blockbuster deal that shocked many at the deadline, the Athletics traded reliever Mason Miller and starter JP Sears to the Padres in exchange for top prospect Leo De Vries and a package of pitching prospects.—
Annie Heilbrunn,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Fans in the comments expressed excitement about the forthcoming sequel to the witchy cult classic — which was based on the 1995 Alice Hoffman novel of the same name — while others seemed astonished that filming for the movie has already finished.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
13 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, The Pitt only has two wins so far, but Shawn Hatosy wins most astonished speech.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Seagulls lift off the beach, startled by the sudden salty cacophony.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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While some dogs are more confident, others may become easily startled by noises, objects, or movements that appear harmless to humans.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowled over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowled%20over. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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