as in to surprise
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
everyone was thunderstruck when she quit her job without warning
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thunderstrike
Verb
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Again, no one should be surprised by Wednesday’s announcement.—
Bill McKibben,
The New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2025 -
The announcement did not surprise the market given Trump had previously alluded to the move, during discussion of his upcoming 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium, Piotr Ortonowski, head of copper market analysis at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, told CNBC.—
Jenni Reid,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Chiefs didn’t amaze us on an every-game basis, not really, anyway.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2025
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The Met’s exhibition amazes in two contradictory ways: as a reappreciation of Rudolph’s artistry and as an assessment of his impact on the American city.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
2 Oct. 2024
Verb
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The Taser shocked him for a few seconds, then Wilhoite got into his car and drove away, according to the affidavit.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2025
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Timothée Chalamet pulled an upset win for Outstanding Male Actor for A Complete Unknown and Conclave shocked as well with an Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture win at the 2025 SAG Awards Sunday night in Los Angeles.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The TikTok post has since gained attention, and Keziah was stunned by the reaction.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
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Then, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams stunned with her voluminous loose curls and signature brown lip liner and lipstick combo.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Though friendly toward her until that moment, Tembo was startled by the noise.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
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But when Freed walked away, the elk got startled and ran into a gully full of snow.—
The Steamboat Pilot,
The Denver Post,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Florida's southwest waterways are being rocked by red tide and a separate toxic algae bloom, which is believed to be linked to discharge from Lake Okeechobee.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
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Singapore, usually an oasis of stability, has been rocked by a series of political scandals in the past two years.—
Nicholas Yong,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Trump’s embrace of America’s adversary and rejection of its ally has been so swift and complete that even top Kremlin officials are astonished.—
Susan B. Glasser,
The New Yorker,
20 Feb. 2025
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Kevin Garnett — astonished to the point of confusion — put his camcorder down instead of filming the reaction.—
Marcus Thompson II,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Thunderstrike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderstrike. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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