Thesaurus results for BOWL OVER

bowl over

verb

Definition of bowl over

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 This is yet another example of how an excellent piece of literature could be bowled over by controversy. — Spin Team, SPIN, 22 June 2026 Whisk together sugar, egg whites, water, corn syrup, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl; place bowl over boiling water in saucepan, ensuring bottom of bowl does not touch water. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 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 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 See All Example Sentences for bowl over

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over

Verb

But perhaps Modrić and Croatia can surprise everyone and make one more run.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Ahead of the film’s world premiere at Karlovy Vary, Mack talked to THR about the inspiration for A Happy Family, wanting to surprise audiences and create debate, and why complexity and hope are such key ingredients.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

For the majority of viewers who held out for the subscription streaming release rather than paying to rent or purchase, this news is amaze, amaze, amaze.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Definition of amaze

Verb

In the 2008 Batman sequel, Ledger stunned as the unpredictable Joker, a performance for which the late Australian actor won a posthumous Oscar.

— Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Forte was stunned to learn that the tower was closed to the public and saddened to see its sorry state.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of stun

Verb

Pochettino’s sources of American sports culture inspiration There were some aspects of American culture, and specifically American sports culture, that clearly startled Pochettino.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Today Twain would be startled by the passivity of a once-mighty Congress that has all but crumbled in the face of pressure from the White House.

— Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Definition of startle

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bowling over

bowl over

bowls

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“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bowl over

verb

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