blindsiding 1 of 2

adjective

as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness the last-minute blindsiding allegations that almost derailed the candidate's campaign

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blindsiding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of blindside
as in disconcerting

Related Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blindsiding
  1. surprising
  2. disconcerting
  3. startling
  4. jarring
  5. shocking
  6. bewildering
  7. amazing
  8. befuddling
Adjective
  • The timing of the sale was a shock to much of the organization, though the decision to move on was less surprising.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Buttafuoco’s interview came out during the start of the Venice Film Festival, and the occasion led the art Biennale to find a surprising supporter in Sergei Loznitsa, perhaps the most famous Ukrainian filmmaker working today.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of surprising
Verb
  • Rates of autism are rising to previously unseen levels, owing largely to better detection and new diagnostic criteria, but the numbers are still disconcerting.
    — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • It is filled with off-putting, perhaps even disconcerting antics, and teams don't want to add that to their locker room.
    — Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of disconcerting
Adjective
  • The Warren Court’s relative respect for federal laws was thus noticeable but not startling.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Most notable were the startling bear signs, alerting us to the presence of Asian black bears in the area.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of startling
Verb
  • The jarring declaration comes after a massive overnight assault that killed 12 people in Ukraine and injured at least a dozen more.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The jarring post struck a chord with Miguel’s IG following, as an outpouring of support flooded his comment section.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of jarring
Adjective
  • In front of adoring fans in Shanghai, the UFC veteran and perennial contender in the UFC bantamweight division scored a shocking upset win over Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event on Saturday.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The August nonfarm payrolls report that releases Friday will be coming off a low set of expectations, given the shocking loss of jobs in July.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shocking
Verb
  • The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But these casting decisions are bewildering, to say the least, and will certainly cost the film ticket sales and potential revenue.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of bewildering
Adjective
  • Nothing has had a life like that record, but it’s given me an amazing life.
    — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Thousands of attendees had descended on the festival grounds, buoyed by—for lack of a better term—amazing vibes, despite temperatures north of 103 degrees.
    — Biz Sherbert, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of amazing
Verb
  • Vincent Carchietta / Imagn Images via Reuters Connect NEW YORK — Tuesday night made the New York Yankees’ decision not to add at least one high-leverage reliever at the trade deadline look questionable at best, and befuddling at worst.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The 1,000-person guest list was impressive, expansive and, occasionally, befuddling.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of befuddling
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.

Browse Nearby Words

blindsides
blindsiding
bling
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Cite this Entry

“Blindsiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blindsiding. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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