Thesaurus

surprise

noun

variants: also surprize

Synonyms and Antonyms of surprise

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 of surprise

bombshell, jar, jaw-dropper, jolt, stunner

Words Related to surprise

shock, thunderclap

eye-opener, revelation, shocker

amazement, marvel, wonder

fillip, kick, kicker, twist, wrinkle

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 of surprise

amazement, astonishment, shock, startlement, stupefaction

Words Related to surprise

awe, wonder, wonderment

bewilderment, confusion, consternation, discomfiture, dismay

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 of surprise

ambuscade, ambush, ambushment, trap

Words Related to surprise

assault, attack, charge, sally

capture, entrapment, mousetrap, snare

hunting, stalking

surprise

verb

variants: also surprize

Synonyms and Antonyms of surprise

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 of surprise

amaze, astonish, astound, bowl over, dumbfound (also dumfound), flabbergast, floor, rock, shock, startle, stun, stupefy, thunderstrike

Words Related to surprise

befuddle, bewilder, blindside, blow away, confound, confuse, daze, discomfit, disconcert, dismay, jar, muddle, nonplus, perplex, shake up

Phrases Synonymous with surprise

knock for a loop, take aback, take by surprise

2 to lie in wait for and attack by surprise

FBI agents surprised the counterfeiters in their own base of operations

Synonyms of surprise

ambuscade, ambush, waylay

Words Related to surprise

assail, assault, attack, storm, strike

jump, mug, pounce (on), tackle

capture, ensnare, entrap, mousetrap, net, snare, trap

hunt, prey (on or upon), stalk

Synonym Discussion of surprise

surprise, astonish, astound, amaze, flabbergast 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

astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

- a discovery that astonished the world

astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

- too astounded to respond

amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

- amazed by the immense size of the place

flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

- flabbergasted by his angry refusal

Learn More about surprise

See words that rhyme with surprise Dictionary: Definition of surprise Spanish Central: Translation of surprise Nglish: Translation of surprise for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of surprise for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about surprise

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up surprise? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments

WORD OF THE DAY

desideratum

something desired as essential