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 astonishment
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
Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
Vendors in Wisconsin are often flexible, but clarity around expectations prevents last-minute surprises.
—K.h. Koehler, jsonline.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
The tariff regime in the US that surprised everybody last April had settled into basically being around a 15% level for almost all activity by the end of the year.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
No surprise, Breaking Dawn Part 2 was a huge success at the box office.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
Vendors in Wisconsin are often flexible, but clarity around expectations prevents last-minute surprises.
—K.h. Koehler, jsonline.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
Jason Smith, who coached Okorie last season at powerhouse Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, is among the minority who are not surprised by his fast start.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
The tariff regime in the US that surprised everybody last April had settled into basically being around a 15% level for almost all activity by the end of the year.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
-
Former detainees and human rights organizations have documented systematic torture and severe abuses inside the facility, including beatings, electric shocks, suspension by limbs, prolonged stress positions and other degrading treatment.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Fans were apoplectic, their initial shock quickly boiling to anger.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In a recent appearance on the Katie Miller Podcast — hosted by the wife of Stephen Miller, who currently serves as homeland security advisor to the White House — Kennedy expressed astonishment that the president is even alive.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
16 Jan. 2026
-
As their conversation unfolds, Lomax’s astonishment that such a very young lady of high birth and seemingly no particular education would take an interest in affairs of state increases.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These findings challenge the idea that octopuses are solely solitary ambush predators.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
In March 204, Meade got help from co-conspirator Nicholas Umphenour to escape from the Idaho Department of Correction’s custody after coordinating an ambush at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
-
An artist who never fails to amaze me.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
In severe cases, the virus can attack parts of the brain that control basic life functions like eye movement, heart rate and blood pressure, causing permanent damage.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Ukraine's air force said that Russia attacked overnight with one ballistic missile and 146 strike drones, 103 of which were shot down or destroyed using electronic warfare.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Scoring 100 points wasn’t something Harrington thought about much as an underclassmen, but felt a jolt to reach the milestone as Madigan and Carney did before her.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The status quo needs a massive jolt to put a fourth Heat championship in play.—
Greg Cote
January 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
To Suzuki’s amazement, Yamagami’s single violent act began to achieve what decades of his own muckraking had not.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Many prominent sports figures took to social media to express their amazement of Indiana's unprecedented dominance during and after their win over Oregon.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Continue reading … PRIME PERFORMANCE – Trump-hating Hollywood stunned as ‘Melania’ documentary rakes in millions.—
,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
The Jets scored two goals on only five third-period shots to stun a staggering Panthers bunch 2-1 at home.—
Adam Beasley,
Miami Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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