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

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

Smith said investors were blindsided by Powell’s claim that he plans to remain at the Fed until a federal investigation into repairs of the central bank’s headquarters has been completely put to rest.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 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