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.

Some local governments say they have been blindsided by the new plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

As a result, Moderna says it was blindsided by the Prasad letter refusing to even consider Moderna’s data.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

But just six months later she was blindsided when her husband announced "seemingly out of nowhere" that he wanted a divorce.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

This way, you can budget accordingly over the next couple of months and not feel blindsided if you end up needing to pay a bit more.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

“I never thought I’d see the day you’d be blindsided by something on the Current.”

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee