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
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Recent Examples of bowl over
Those musings have caused alarm among some critics who have watched the president bowl over guardrails and norms in his first two months back in office.
—
Brett Samuels, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025
In a bowl over simmering water (aka double boiler), melt butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025
Step 3 Place a second medium heatproof bowl over the pot and turn the heat to medium-low.
—Janice Feuer Haugen, Saveur, 12 Feb. 2025
Place the bowl over the pot and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture is fully melted and satiny smooth, about 5 minutes.
—Janice Feuer Haugen, Saveur, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Brett Samuels, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025
In a bowl over simmering water (aka double boiler), melt butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025
Step 3 Place a second medium heatproof bowl over the pot and turn the heat to medium-low.
—Janice Feuer Haugen, Saveur, 12 Feb. 2025
Place the bowl over the pot and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture is fully melted and satiny smooth, about 5 minutes.
—Janice Feuer Haugen, Saveur, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bowl over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowl over
Verb
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If you’re not used to cleaning with vinegar, don’t let the smell surprise you.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2025
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Recent Blockbusters You might be surprised by how many high-profile Oscar winners from the past several years are sitting on Netflix.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Verb
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The way Yamal is handling his rise does not cease to amaze.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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Regardless of how or why, that drive continues to amaze me.—
Tom Teicholz,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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At the May 5 event, dubbed fashion's biggest night, Zendaya stunned with a dapper, tailored Louis Vuitton white suit with a matching brimmed hat.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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The year before the rival Raiders stunned the Chiefs 20-14 in one of the worst offensive performances of Mahomes’ Chiefs tenure.—
Jeff Fedotin,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Verb
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James’s words shocked her so much that Annabelle almost ran a red light.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
19 May 2025
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The deportations — of mostly men, but also women and children — shocked many in India.—
Diaa Hadid,
NPR,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Sea pens can produce a bioluminescent glow when disturbed, flashing a greenish light to startle predators such as sea stars and nudibranchs.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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Long time viewers of 60 Minutes are understandably startled by these high level fireworks.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Longoria rocked a red maxi dress, while Bastón wore a black top and black cropped pants.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
13 May 2025
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The new parents tried everything—rocking, feeding, lullabies—but nothing was working.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Verb
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From that first puck drop, Jackson was astonished by the speed and intensity of a playoff game compared with a regular-season game.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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Ōshima was astonished when his own wife, Akiko Koyama, expressed an interest.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowl%20over. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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