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
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Recent Examples of bowl over
Having said that, Ray auditioned for the role, and I was just absolutely bowled over by his audition.
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Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Oct. 2024
Initially slightly apprehensive about filming in Saudi Arabia, .Paak said he was bowled over by the beauty of AlUla, the people and the professionalism of the crews there.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024
Opposing offenses bowled over the Trojans weekly, piling up an average of 186 yards per game on the ground.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024
At first, Melody is a bit bowled over by the Florida culture and the glitz of the Sunset Academy parents.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for bowl over 
Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Oct. 2024
Initially slightly apprehensive about filming in Saudi Arabia, .Paak said he was bowled over by the beauty of AlUla, the people and the professionalism of the crews there.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024
Opposing offenses bowled over the Trojans weekly, piling up an average of 186 yards per game on the ground.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024
At first, Melody is a bit bowled over by the Florida culture and the glitz of the Sunset Academy parents.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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A lot of people are surprised a 62-year-old man can see the positive side of screen time.Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025
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Over the past few years, the strength of the U.S. economy and the job market have surprised almost everyone.PAUL WISEMAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Severe geomagnetic storm sparks stunning northern lights across US (photos) Don Pettit sees petite Dawn descending Monday, September 16, 2024: NASA astronaut Don Pettit has amazed us again with another outstanding photo.Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
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Ben Böhmer - Bloom Composer and producer Ben Böhmer amazes with Bloom.Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Joao Fonseca of Brazil, 18, stunned No. 9 Andrey Rublev in straight sets in the first round after winning the Next Gen ATP Finals title last month in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
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The Dallas Cowboys stunned the NFL world when it was announced that the team had chosen to move on from Mike McCarthy as head coach.Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
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His statements — including Holocaust denial, racist denunciations of Muslims and immigrants, and his 1987 proposal to forcibly isolate people with AIDS in special facilities — shocked his critics and strained his political alliances.Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
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During a pre-show red carpet stroll, Gomez was shocked when House of Gucci star Salma Hayek interrupted her live spot with carpet co-host and Variety senior culture and events editor Mark Malkin, to give Sel, 32, a hug.Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The most recent superintendent was basically run out of the job in June after startling dysfunction in the central administration was uncovered.Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 27 Dec. 2024
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More on Axios: PR's misguided metrics Israeli intelligence sees growing chance Assad's forces collapse in Syria Israeli intelligence officials have been startled by a faster-than-expected collapse of the Syrian army's defense lines over the last 24 hours, two senior Israeli officials tell Axios.Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The pups rocked a blend of their parents' fur colors, black and yellow.Liz O'Connell, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
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Between the lines: Lurie has vowed to fight corruption at City Hall in response to several scandals involving department heads and nonprofits that have rocked the city in recent years.Nadia Lopez, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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That aspect of this start astonishes even McCollum.CJ Moore, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
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In 2014, for instance, one researcher was astonished to watch a single sea otter devour roughly 30 European green crabs in an hour, per the Washington Post.Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near bowl over
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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