BOWLED OVER Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

bowled over 1 of 2

adjective

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

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bowled over

2 of 2

verb

past tense of bowl over

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

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Recent Examples of bowled over

Verb

Yet, as with Lebanon, Middle East watchers were bowled over to discover that the MOU codified Iran’s claim to a say in administering passage through the strait. — Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 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 This is yet another example of how an excellent piece of literature could be bowled over by controversy. — Spin Team, SPIN, 22 June 2026 Hicks was bowled over by Spence early in the third period, was very slow to get up but stayed in the game and held the Pioneers in the game despite Michigan’s taking over in terms of possession, shots and chances. — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 Before you get bowled over by a new enthusiasm, do some checking. — Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026 Gerwig was bowled over by how Pascal took a chance on her. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026 Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday. — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026 Lewis was bowled over by Lee’s research, which included the revelation that an early version of Goldman Sachs was a venture investor in Clarence Birdseye’s flash-freezing method; Birdseye studied as an ornithologist (as well as a taxidermist, fur trader, hunter, and fish lobbyist). — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowled over

Adjective

Their friends were amazed by their likeness, and ⁠the girls swapped addresses.

— Reuters, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026
The moon only blocked about 10% of the sun this time, but spectators were amazed anyway.

— Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of amazed

Verb

The result surprised the team because semiconductor materials are generally highly sensitive to impurities.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
Still, with a novice head coach and a new lineup, the Suns surprised the pundits, finishing 45-37 and making the playoffs even for just a moment.

— Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of surprised

Verb

While the devices are marketed as nonlethal and safe for the heart, a pending lawsuit alleges a 43-year-old man died in 2024 after he was shocked 27 times with the gloves and 13 more times by a Taser at a jail in Richmond, Kentucky.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
In fact, so political has Tafoya gotten in her hometown of Edina, an upscale Twin Cities suburb, that many people were shocked the 61-year-old didn’t take a run at public office earlier.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of shocked

Adjective

Further stories illuminate emotional realities burrowed deep within enormously likeable characters, often moving the reader (or this reader anyway) to astonished tears.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
One that draws more approving thumbs-ups, creates more astonished grins, or pulls more phones from pockets for impromptu photographs and video—especially in stunning Verde Ermes metallic paint.

— Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

Definition of astonished

Verb

The 10-episode first season (critics received six for review) opens in the early hours of the morning, when Anna is startled awake by a phone call.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Witness Hoon Chan Sim, 53, was sitting on a park lawn with his dog near West Drive when he was startled by the squeal of braking tires, and spun around to see the horrific collision.

— Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026