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
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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
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Recent Examples of surprise
Caroline Blair, People.com, 26 June 2025
In a surprise move, The Walt Disney Co. and the cable giant Charter have inked a new deal that expands their landmark 2023 carriage agreement to bring Hulu to Spectrum TV customers, while returning eight linear cable channels that had been pulled from its lineup.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 26 June 2025
Although the move might have disappointed a certain segment of fans hoping Queen might return for his sophomore year with new coach Buzz Williams, his decision did not surprise many.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
The 2025 event featured a surprise performance from Kelce's girlfriend, Taylor Swift, while Kane Brown was onstage.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 26 June 2025
In a surprise move, The Walt Disney Co. and the cable giant Charter have inked a new deal that expands their landmark 2023 carriage agreement to bring Hulu to Spectrum TV customers, while returning eight linear cable channels that had been pulled from its lineup.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
Verb
Commenters on the post were not surprised by his entrance.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 26 June 2025
Although the move might have disappointed a certain segment of fans hoping Queen might return for his sophomore year with new coach Buzz Williams, his decision did not surprise many.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
-
But when faced with financial shocks or broader economic uncertainty, many businesses reduce their credit card payments by an average of 3.2%.—
Juliana Berger,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Clark’s ranking was a shock to many across the social media landscape.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
On the eve of Lionel Messi’s 38th birthday, more than 60,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium watched in amazement as his Inter Miami team took a 2-0 lead on Brazilian great Palmeiras, and then held their breath as Palmeiras tied it 2-2 in an entertaining Club World Cup match.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2025
-
Much to their amazement, both pregnancies progressed healthily, and the couple ultimately welcomed two babies, born 17 weeks apart.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
She was frequently caught short by the playwright’s winking ambush.—
Han Ong,
New Yorker,
22 June 2025
-
The new film continues the saga with a fresh high-stakes adventure, in which the fearsome Countess of Gral ambushes Captain Sabertooth’s ship, stealing a sacred figurehead and kidnapping young crewmate Pinky.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
In 2024 one woman amazed the internet with the results after she was warned not to paint her house white, only for the results to shock people who were against it at first.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
-
The way 16 different emotions can flit across his face in a single moment continually surprises, amazes and confounds us.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
Boone acknowledged that location will be key for Stroman, who can no longer attack hitters head-on at this stage of his career.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
28 June 2025
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The wild and ugly scenes saw rioters attack law enforcement with rocks and Molotov cocktails while others burned vehicles and other property.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Johansson even joked in her musical monologue that castmember Sarah Sherman was leaving, to Sherman's mock astonishment.—
Eric Deggans,
NPR,
18 May 2025
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In a perfect world for Robertson, the astonishment and bewilderment Knies had at Robertson’s game would be enough to push Robertson into the playoffs.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The rescue pup stunned judges with her brown and blue eyes, speckled fur, and inviting smile.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
1 July 2025
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Unlike games like Super Mario Galaxy, which allow P2 to sort of play along by shooting little stars to stun enemies, Bananza’s version of coop feels extremely robust and changes the entire game.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Your trash schedule might not be top of mind this Independence Day between going to fireworks displays, making a last-minute run to the grocery store or getting startled by loud booms.—
Eleanor Nash
July 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2025
-
According to a crash report, a cicada flew into the driver's window, startling the driver.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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