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
Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
This Nix lowered his shoulder on one carry and bowled over Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
The Giants won with a fourth-round rookie running back, Cam Skattebo, who bowled over a historically dominant Eagles front for a career-high 98 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
With a notably vivacious aroma and flavor, Heilala bowled over tasters with layered complexity.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Hawks marched up the field in just over two minutes, as senior running back Kyle Celestin bowled over a tackler on his way to the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown rush.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
He, too, was bowled over by the film's tear-jerking finale.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Sep. 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
We were completely bowled over, just in total disbelief.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowled over
Adjective
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Jimmy Fallon was amazed that Charles said that to Kelce, and not just because the 6-foot-5 Kelce could have pounded the actor into a pulp.—
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All those economic experts will be amazed.—
Verb
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Babz didn’t have much to worry about, as the Patriots surprised him with a 14-3 record, claiming the AFC East title.—
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Lucy Dacus surprised fans by bringing out Chappell Roan during a benefit concert for Sudan and Palestine relief efforts in Los Angeles.—
Adjective
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Farley, who looks stunned, examines it.—
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The woman shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis was a loving mother, a poet and a partner whose family – along with neighbors across her stunned city and strangers far beyond – is shocked by the circumstances surrounding her death.—
Verb
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You’d be shocked to see how little (or how much) some of the more popular backpacks are capable of handling.—
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Local senior living residents also told WESH that they were shocked to learn about the case, as the community had felt safe in the past.—
Adjective
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After another four strikeouts on the mound, Ohtani hit his third home run of the night in the seventh inning, traveling 427 feet into the stands full of astonished Dodgers fans.—
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Under Kidman's Practical Magic 2 post, 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.—
Verb
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Authorities in southern Colorado are investigating after a sudden explosion damaged a building and startled nearby residents.—
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Leibfried was responding to a report of a domestic disturbance in the building and was startled by a loud bang that emanated from the closed door of an apartment.—
Adjective
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The baseball-loving family members were thunderstruck at spotting the T206 Honus Wagner in the frame.—
Cite this Entry
“Bowled over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowled%20over. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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