blindsided

[blahynd-sahy-did] / ˈblaɪndˌsaɪ dɪd /

VERB

attack by surprise

Synonyms

WEAK

bushwhack catch unaware hit unexpectedly sucker-punch

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Higgins, who lost Season 4 of “The Traitors” in the finale after being blindsided by her friend and co-star Rob Rausch, rose to prominence on “Love Island” in 2019.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

In securities filings, Ghassemieh says he was blindsided by the announcement.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Part of the problem, though, can be feeling blindsided by the hidden costs of leisure activities.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

Tolly and Audrey tell the BBC it was a challenging period and Milena's decision left them "blindsided".

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

In two moves, the ablutionist blindsided the careless pawn and removed it from the field.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri