surprise 1 of 2

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

3
as in ambush
a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait waited under cover of darkness and took the enemy encampment by surprise at dawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

surprise

2 of 2

verb

variants also surprize

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of surprise
Noun
As a surprise to Johnson, Iris Smith of Cakes by Iris created a larger-than-life groom's cake — a full-scale replica of his beloved guitar, Maple, with every detail, including the signatures on the front. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 May 2025 Jesse Marsch decided to spring a few surprises with his latest Canada squad. Phil Hay, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Verb
Leo's selection surprised the Roman Catholic world. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 May 2025 Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb surprised many by playing after leaving with an injury late in Game 2 and missing morning skate on Saturday. Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
  • The woman, who according to the news outlet was five months pregnant, was treated for shock, while her partner’s face was covered in blood.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
  • Saudi Press Agency | Via Reuters The toppling of the Assad regime during a shock offensive by anti-Assad militia groups in December last year stunned the global community and brought about the prospect of a new beginning for the devastated country.
    Natasha Turak, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • To my amazement, the weight started falling off after the first few weeks.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 May 2025
  • To my amazement, within a few weeks, Elizabeth had gotten into the habit of asking nicely instead of nagging.
    Debby Waldman, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Memories of the ambush on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were still fresh.
    David Moscrop, Time, 8 May 2025
  • Joe Bergeron was searching for carjacking suspects in St. Paul when he was killed in an ambush.
    Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • The way Yamal is handling his rise does not cease to amaze.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • Regardless of how or why, that drive continues to amaze me.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump acknowledged Democrats would attack Republicans for a tax hike, and that raising taxes was blamed for former President George H.W. Bush’s reelection loss in 1992.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • One factor in that attacking improvement may be that, counterintuitively, Chelsea have actually managed to average significantly more fast breaks (1.9, up from 1.3) and direct attacks (2.9, up from 2.6) in the matches where their possession percentage has ticked up into the 60s.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Among those who watched in astonishment at the fundraiser were New Hampshire Democratic U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster and California U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • To Jin’s astonishment, the sphere darted through the inner courtyard around to the entranceway and then directly out the main gate.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • At the May 5 event, dubbed fashion's biggest night, Zendaya stunned with a dapper, tailored Louis Vuitton white suit with a matching brimmed hat.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The year before the rival Raiders stunned the Chiefs 20-14 in one of the worst offensive performances of Mahomes’ Chiefs tenure.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Sea pens can produce a bioluminescent glow when disturbed, flashing a greenish light to startle predators such as sea stars and nudibranchs.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Long time viewers of 60 Minutes are understandably startled by these high level fireworks.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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