Thesaurus

surprise

Q: How does the verb 'surprise' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surprise are amaze , astonish , astound , and flabbergast . While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel. // surprised to find them at home

Q: Where would 'amaze' be a reasonable alternative to 'surprise'?

The meanings of amaze and surprise largely overlap; however, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment. // amazed by the immense size of the place

Q: When is it sensible to use 'astonish' instead of 'surprise'?

While the synonyms astonish and surprise are close in meaning, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible. // a discovery that astonished the world

Q: When is 'astound' a more appropriate choice than 'surprise'?

The words astound and surprise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, astound stresses the shock of astonishment. // too astounded to respond

Q: When might 'flabbergast' be a better fit than 'surprise'?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and surprise are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay. // flabbergasted by his angry refusal

noun

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variants: also surprize

Synonyms of surprise

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 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 for surprise

Words Related to surprise

Phrases Synonymous with surprise

bolt from the blue
(also bolt out of the blue)

2 the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual

stared in utter surprise at the deer in his cabin

Synonyms for surprise

Words Related to surprise

startle

3 a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait

waited under cover of darkness and took the enemy encampment by surprise at dawn

Synonyms for surprise

Words Related to surprise

surprise

verb

variants: also surprize

Synonyms of surprise (Entry 2 of 2)

1 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 for surprise

Words Related to surprise

Phrases Synonymous with surprise

2 to lie in wait for and attack by surprise

FBI agents surprised the counterfeiters in their own base of operations

Synonyms for surprise

Words Related to surprise

charge,
sally

Frequently Asked Questions About surprise

How does the verb surprise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surprise are amaze, astonish, astound, and flabbergast. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

Where would amaze be a reasonable alternative to surprise?

The meanings of amaze and surprise largely overlap; however, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When is it sensible to use astonish instead of surprise?

While the synonyms astonish and surprise are close in meaning, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

When is astound a more appropriate choice than surprise?

The words astound and surprise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

When might flabbergast be a better fit than surprise?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and surprise are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal