variants
also surprize
1
as in shock
something that makes a strong impression because it is so unexpected
the anniversary party was such a complete surprise that the couple was speechless for a moment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in amazement
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual
stared in utter surprise at the deer in his cabin
Synonyms & Similar Words
variants
also surprize
1
as in to amaze
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
I was very surprised when my parents offered to pay the down payment on our house
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to ambush
to lie in wait for and attack by surprise
FBI agents surprised the counterfeiters in their own base of operations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of surprise
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Former Wales manager Rob Page was a surprise appointment for the under-21s, while Simon Wiles arrived from Manchester United’s academy to take over the under-18s.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
That wouldn't surprise me, given how detailed this car is, inside and out.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
Indeed, just 10 days after being rescued, Maple had a surprise in store.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Former Wales manager Rob Page was a surprise appointment for the under-21s, while Simon Wiles arrived from Manchester United’s academy to take over the under-18s.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
What has surprised him about the NFL?
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
That wouldn't surprise me, given how detailed this car is, inside and out.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
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Considering that Jeanty’s worst game last year was 104 yards, the running back tally of 93 yards against the Bulls was a shock to the system.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Diagnosed in 2016, his death came as a shock to his former costars and fellow actors, with many celebrities and fans paying tribute to the actor on social media.—
Karen Mizoguchi,
People.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In the clip filmed by tour guide Captain John Shields, a white bottle nose dolphin is seen swimming up to the surface with its fin poking in and out of the water repeatedly as tourists watch on in amazement from their boat.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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It was named after the Piedmontese exclamation of amazement at seeing something beautiful.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Like some of the ambush drones recently seen in Ukraine, Viper can have small solar cells, powering its sensors and communications for an indefinite period, as well as slowly recharging the battery.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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The mission has also lost two members of its force in gang ambushes; while one has been confirmed dead the other is still been regarded as missing even though local media has reported him as dead.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The 90-yard dash along the right sideline one play after Ruvalcaba’s interception amazed his teammates.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Having an almost 80-year-old actor at the heart of the film and in almost every scene could be a huge undertaking, but Touzani says Maura’s vitality amazed her.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Mastantuono, 18, has the characteristics to contribute from a deeper position, but his signing was intended for more attacking areas, as is being seen.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
-
An elderly Arkansas man is in the hospital after a black bear attacked him in Franklin County on Wednesday.—
Kris Millgate,
Outdoor Life,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Dershowitz during the impeachment trial offered an expansive defense of presidential power that provoked astonishment among Democrats.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
30 Aug. 2025
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Despite its tattered state, the sofa's unique silhouette and designer pedigree drew astonishment on Reddit.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Instead, the army became bogged down in a grinding war of attrition, and the West was stunned by Moscow’s poor battlefield performance.—
David Kirichenko,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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When news of the closing of Valerie Chang’s Peruvian restaurant Maty’s was announced in Midtown, Miami diners were stunned.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The cars are startled by a ghost car named Brenda (a perfectly imperfect name), who introduces them to other friendly ghost vehicles, most of whom have experienced deadly crashes and now honk funny.—
Sloane Crosley,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
-
This technique often is used with fencing to create a visual barrier and to startle geese when the tape shimmers in the breeze.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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