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
No one should be surprised by that supreme confidence, of course, as the other two players likely would have said the same. Sam Amick, New York Times, 21 May 2025 This is not the first time El Cajon has been surprised by a point-in-time count. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
  • The shock expressed by analysts and Jørgensen's surprise at his firing reveal catastrophic communication breakdown.
    Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Shekinah’s friends were then in for a shock when Sarper suggested a clause of his own for their theoretical prenup.
    Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • As everyone, including Pagán and his teammates, watches the 26-year-old in amazement, the only person who doesn’t seem surprised is Benson himself.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter for the 2025 Met Gala, the Sinners director and his wife and co-producer on the project discussed their amazement over the box office success of the vampire thriller.
    Sharareh Drury, People.com, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • Trump confronted South Africa's leader with false claims of genocide in Oval Office ambush.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • The ambush may have been revenge, according to court documents, KYTX reported.
    Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • What amazes me is how reading has affected not just me but so many others as well.
    Lynne Agress, Baltimore Sun, 19 May 2025
  • While the dazzling auroras might’ve amazed our ancestors, the weak magnetic field intensified ultraviolet and cosmic radiation.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • According to authorities, Ward told them the fight and stabbing were self-defense, claiming the mother attacked and punched her several times in the face.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
  • There are several leaf spotting diseases that can attack hydrangeas.
    Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 23 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
  • The Pacers hold a 2-0 series lead after stunning the Knicks at MSG in Games 1 and 2.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
  • Related article Tyrese Haliburton and Indiana Pacers stun New York Knicks in overtime to take Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals Siakam insisted, however, that he and his teammates were not getting distracted by the prospect of writing their names in franchise history.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 24 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 30 May. 2025.

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