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.

Saudi Arabia was blindsided by the U.A.E.’s exit, according to Gulf officials familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

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

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

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

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Because it might turn out that the fellow across the aisle was the guy you’d nearly blindsided at the freeway exit yesterday in order to beat him to a promising garage sale.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini