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 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; startle; 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, ambushment, ambush (also surpize), trapWords Related to surprise assault, attack, charge, sally; capture, entrapment, mousetrap, snare; hunting, stalking

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 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 (also surprize), waylayWords Related to surprise assail, assault, attack, storm, strike; jump, mug, pounce (on), tackle; charge, sally; capture, ensnare, entrap, mousetrap, net, snare, trap; hunt, prey (on or upon), stalk