surprised

adjective sur·prised \ sər-ˈprīzd , sə- \

Updated on: 25 May 2018

Definition of surprised

: feeling or showing surprise because of something unexpected

was very surprised to see her there

was too surprised to speak

a surprised expression

See surprised defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of surprised from the Web

Nobody should be surprised if Machado’s asking price starts with a 5 this offseason.

— david murphy, Philly.com, "At what price, Manny Machado? Sorry, Phillies. It's infinity and beyond! | David Murphy," 22 May 2018
After their song, the pair was surprised with a free trip to Disney’s Aulani resort in Hawaii.

— christina dugan, PEOPLE.com, "Katy Perry Calls Romance Between Idol's Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe 'Divine Intervention'," 22 May 2018
Last week, some Call of Duty fans were surprised and dismayed to hear that Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 will be the first game in the series to not include a single-player campaign mode.

— kyle orland, Ars Technica, "Analysis: Player interest in Call of Duty’s campaigns is cratering," 21 May 2018
Despite the jaw-dropping gas prices, there’s something the millions of drivers won’t be surprised by: ranked the most congested country in the world, Americans are all too used to traffic.

— hallie detrick, Fortune, "Hitting the Road for Memorial Day 2018? Get Ready for Spiking Gas Prices and Lots of Company," 21 May 2018
The uncertainty surrounding the Preakness and Pimlico is not a new story, of course, and little that Ritvo said should have surprised anyone.

— peter schmuck, baltimoresun.com, "Schmuck: Justify lives up to the billing and brightens an otherwise dismal Preakness Day," 20 May 2018
Like her day dress, the look was paired with Bulgari jewels...but Williams surprised with her footwear choice.

— carrie goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Serena Williams Wore Sneakers Under Her Valentino Evening Gown at Meghan & Harry's Reception Last Night," 20 May 2018
Some were surprised that Mia was not one of the 10 children in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding party.

— kate storey, Town & Country, "Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall Just Shared the Sweetest PDA Moment at the Royal Wedding," 19 May 2018
The likeliest outcome seems to be a chaotic coalition, perhaps with Mr Prayuth, pretending to be surprised and reluctant, staying on as prime minister.

— The Economist, "Thailand’s ruling junta is preparing to hold an election—and to win it," 17 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'surprised.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of surprised

1882

in the meaning defined above

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