bombshell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bombshell" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a surprising or shocking piece of news or information. Example: "The politician's resignation was a bombshell that left everyone in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

US authorities have said Wednesday's bombshell was just the beginning of their investigation and warned they would "follow the money where ever it may lead".

The Guardian - Sport

Given his views, was it not astonishing that he should have been given the job by a government described in Nicholas Shaxson's bombshell book Treasure Islands as now being "utterly captured by the financial services industry"?

The Guardian - Business

Which is yet another bombshell, delivered by the way in the midst of European and local government elections in Northern Ireland and that will provide powerful propaganda ammunition for hardline unionists critical of the political arrangements.

The Guardian

Blatter's stunning announcement came a day before Blazer's testimony was due to be published in the US, which led to speculation that it would contain a bombshell for Blatter, an inference his aides rejected.

The Guardian - Sport

The dress is crisp and clean but the look is pure bombshell, "just by undoing five buttons," points out Barron.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She only came to track down Phil Mitchell, but the law of 'Enders means that any blonde bombshell passing through E20 must instantly fall for the charms of resident beige-cheeseball-on-legs Max Branning.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That is when Borkowski heard bombshell news: Haiti's football federation received a call from the Clinton Foundation, the charitable organisation run by the former president Bill Clinton and his family, saying it wanted to support the women's programme.

The Guardian - Sport

An illuminating session ended with Tsiolkas dropping the bombshell that his next novel will be very different – it's about the life of St Paul.

The Guardian - Books

If they vote for the charter and do not accept that £30bn consolidation is required then they are promising a tax bombshell because they accept our spending plans.

The Guardian

This came as a bit of a bombshell for investors who hadn't been anywhere near expecting such a sharp move to the downside, but it indicates just how nervous businesses were throughout the fiscal cliff negotiations that went down to the wire.

The Guardian - Business

And the commission showed much more understanding and readiness to compromise than its initial bombshell had suggested.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of the phrase "bombshell" on your audience, as it can create a sense of drama or urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "bombshell" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound sensationalistic or hyperbolic. Opt for more nuanced language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "bombshell" functions primarily as a noun. It denotes something that is very surprising, shocking, or sensational. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in various contexts, often related to unexpected announcements or revelations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bombshell" is a noun used to describe something surprisingly shocking or sensational. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, predominantly in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the formality of the setting, as "bombshell" may not always be appropriate in professional or academic writing. Alternatives like ""shocking revelation"" or "startling disclosure" can offer a more neutral tone in certain situations. Overuse of "bombshell" should be avoided to maintain impact, and careful consideration of its connotations is key when describing people.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shocking revelation

Emphasizes the revealing nature of the surprising information.

startling disclosure

Highlights the act of making the surprising information known.

sensational news

Focuses on the excitement and public interest generated by the news.

explosive announcement

Uses a metaphor similar to "bombshell", emphasizing the impactful nature of the announcement.

jaw-dropping information

Conveys the astonishment caused by the information.

earth-shattering event

Highlights the significant impact and consequences of the event.

unexpected surprise

Underscores the element of unpredictability and astonishment.

astonishing fact

Focuses on the surprising nature of the stated fact.

major upset

Highlights the disruption and unexpected outcome caused.

game-changing development

Emphasizes how the development alters the existing situation significantly.

FAQs

How can I use "bombshell" in a sentence?

You can use "bombshell" to describe a surprising or shocking piece of news. For example, "The announcement was a real "bombshell"" or "The "shocking revelation" was a complete "bombshell"."

What are some alternatives to using "bombshell"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""shocking revelation"", "startling disclosure", or "sensational news".

Is "bombshell" formal or informal language?

"Bombshell" is generally considered to be somewhat informal, especially when referring to a person. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms such as "startling disclosure" or "significant development".

What does it mean when someone is described as a "bombshell"?

When used to describe a person, "bombshell" refers to someone who is considered very attractive, often in a glamorous or overtly sexual way. It's advisable to use this term with caution due to its potential to be objectifying.