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.

Many new homeowners have it tough amid elevated interest rates and steep listing prices — and many are being blindsided by a “newcomer tax” that’s becoming more widespread.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

Michael Polak, a UK based lawyer from Justice Abroad, said: "The police were blindsided by the money."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

March brought another whiff, when forecasters were counting on moderate job gains and wound up blindsided by a blowout increase.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Furious at being blindsided by the appointment, Bush dodged Groves’s brusque queries about the state of the project and dashed off a prickly letter to Stimson’s assistant, Harvey Bundy.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik