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
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Recent Examples of bombshell
The biggest bombshell dropped in 2017.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
Casa Amor bombshell Alannah Keyser is breaking her silence after she was removed from Love Island USAseason eight when a video resurfaced of her using the N-word.
—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
28 June 2026
Keyser was ejected from Love Island on June 25, after entering the season as a Casa Amor bombshell and sparking a connection with season 8 Islander Zach Georgiou.
—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 June 2026
Dumpings can happen by elimination, by public vote—every week or so, viewers can choose their favorite islanders or pick who a new bombshell should pair up with—or, more diabolically, by the other islanders’ selection.
—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
Casa Amor bombshell Alannah Keyser is breaking her silence after she was removed from Love Island USAseason eight when a video resurfaced of her using the N-word.
—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
28 June 2026
Keyser was ejected from Love Island on June 25, after entering the season as a Casa Amor bombshell and sparking a connection with season 8 Islander Zach Georgiou.
—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 June 2026
Dumpings can happen by elimination, by public vote—every week or so, viewers can choose their favorite islanders or pick who a new bombshell should pair up with—or, more diabolically, by the other islanders’ selection.
—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombshell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombshell
Noun
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Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
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High temperatures inside a car, even when no one is in it, can lead to some dangerous or messy surprises.
Noun
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Season 3 of the series returned with a bloody episode and a skyrocketing death toll, which continues to rise, as the rival Targaryen factions clashed in the shock-and-awe-inspiring Battle of the Gullet.
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Rosenqvist’s departure was a bit of a shock, but Scott Dixon decision to leave Chip Ganassi Racing after 25 years with the team was of seismic proportions.
Noun
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The metal-and-glass construction gives it a more elevated look than its price might suggest, while the color combinations add a cheerful, almost retro jolt to a shelf, side table, or countertop.
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Takeoff and landing are when many aviation incidents occur—they’re considered the most critical phases of a flight and when an aircraft is most vulnerable to sudden, unexpected jolts of motion.
Noun
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Rob-Will is already lying in a pool of blood before that revelation.
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In the Gospel According to Luke, Jesus compares the days of Lot before the judgment of Sodom—a calm before the storm—to the coming revelation of the Son of Man, a title that Jesus calls himself.
Cite this Entry
“Bombshell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombshell. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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