plural surprises
1
a
: an unexpected event, piece of information, etc.
What a pleasant surprise to see you!
It's no surprise that he doesn't want to go.
Is it any surprise that she should feel disappointed?
The news came as a (complete/total) surprise to everyone. [=everyone was surprised by the news]
It came as no surprise to me. [=I was not surprised by it]
The teacher sprang a surprise on us and gave a pop quiz.
They are in for a (big/real) surprise [=they are going to be very surprised] when they come home.
b
: an unexpected gift, party, etc.
I have a special surprise for the children.
The trip was a surprise for her birthday.
Is the party a surprise?
2
: the feeling caused by something that is unexpected or unusual
She expressed surprise at their decision. [=she said that she was surprised by their decision]
Imagine our surprise when they sold their house and moved to the Bahamas.
Much to our surprise, she refused. [=we were very surprised when she refused]
He stared at her in surprise.
The attackers were relying on the element of surprise. [=they were relying on their attack being unexpected]
3
—used as an interjection
Surprise! Happy Birthday!
surprises; surprised; surprising
1
: to cause (someone) to feel surprised
The results will surprise you.
Nothing you could say would surprise me.
They surprised everyone by moving to the Bahamas.
He surprised her at work with a vase of flowers. [=he unexpectedly gave her a vase of flowers while she was at work]
2
: to find, attack, or meet (someone or something) unexpectedly
A police officer surprised the burglars.
The troops were surprised by an attack from the north.
always used before a noun
: not expected : causing a feeling of surprise
a surprise best seller/success
She made a surprise announcement/appearance at the concert.
I got a surprise call/visit from the governor.
We threw him a surprise party. [=we secretly planned a party for him and did not tell him about it until he arrived]
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/surprise. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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