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
Not bringing him up too soon, so the element of surprise can be leveraged.
—
Eno Sarris, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
There can also be some element of surprise in what most galvanizes a crowd.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
Clubs have benefitted from an element of surprise, too.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2025
The element of surprise seemed, at that time, precious.
—Lauren Rothery, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for element of surprise
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Eno Sarris, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
There can also be some element of surprise in what most galvanizes a crowd.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
Clubs have benefitted from an element of surprise, too.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2025
The element of surprise seemed, at that time, precious.
—Lauren Rothery, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 20 Oct. 2025.
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