element of surprise
noun phrase
: the unexpected or surprising character of something
The attackers were relying on the element of surprise.
Examples of element of surprise in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The spice-and-nut mix dukkah—normally something savory—brings an element of surprise to this delicious dessert and other sweet treats.
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Aleksandra Crapanzano, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2023
In the latest episode of The Breakdown, Britell takes Rolling Stone through his process of creating the chilling sounds of Succession and preserving the element of surprise to better serve the audience.
—Tara Catherine Reid, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2023
This created a sense of anticipation in his phrasing, adding an element of surprise to his performances.
—Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 22 July 2023
Different situations call for different strategies, but all turn the element of surprise against the shooter.
—Marissa Vonesh, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2023
When Jackson is running the offense, the element of surprise with him as the signal caller should become a big advantage for the Ravens.
—Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2023
In addition to the all-white dress code, one of the dinner’s other draws is an element of surprise.
—Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2023
To heighten the element of surprise, Elfman made sure none of the 15 video artists saw what the others were working on.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2023
Ukraine’s upcoming counteroffensive hinges on the element of surprise, Cherevatyi said.
—Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 5 June 2023
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Aleksandra Crapanzano, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2023
In the latest episode of The Breakdown, Britell takes Rolling Stone through his process of creating the chilling sounds of Succession and preserving the element of surprise to better serve the audience.
—Tara Catherine Reid, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2023
This created a sense of anticipation in his phrasing, adding an element of surprise to his performances.
—Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 22 July 2023
Different situations call for different strategies, but all turn the element of surprise against the shooter.
—Marissa Vonesh, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2023
When Jackson is running the offense, the element of surprise with him as the signal caller should become a big advantage for the Ravens.
—Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2023
In addition to the all-white dress code, one of the dinner’s other draws is an element of surprise.
—Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2023
To heighten the element of surprise, Elfman made sure none of the 15 video artists saw what the others were working on.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2023
Ukraine’s upcoming counteroffensive hinges on the element of surprise, Cherevatyi said.
—Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 5 June 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'element of surprise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near element of surprise
Cite this Entry
“Element of surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/element%20of%20surprise. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.
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