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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of surprise
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Another potential surprise: Isaiah Iton, who recorded the last would-be sack of practice.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Rob Stein, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025
What surprised her most were the comments from teachers facing even stricter limits — some who receive only a handful of copies for the entire semester, and others who spend their own money on printing or buy personal printers for their classrooms.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
Kansas lost multiple games in devastating fashion last season, which was a surprise to many — including myself.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Another potential surprise: Isaiah Iton, who recorded the last would-be sack of practice.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
The scientists were surprised by how forceful human embryos are, especially compared to mouse embryos, which appear to lie passively as a womb envelopes them.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025
What surprised her most were the comments from teachers facing even stricter limits — some who receive only a handful of copies for the entire semester, and others who spend their own money on printing or buy personal printers for their classrooms.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
-
This, in turn, has rendered the EU vulnerable to shocks from powers ideologically and strategically opposed to the West.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Kirsh’s shock of white hair and dry, sardonic air give Olyphant refreshing distance from the upright lawmen he’s known for.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
That recruitment story, the one people repeat with amazement today, is now written into Charlotte’s soul.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
Woo’s mother, Hilary, entered the conversation with pure amazement.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
This betrayal directly led to a fatal ambush in the Philippines where David’s entire U.S. intelligence team was wiped out, except for him.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The systematic obstruction of congressional oversight, inhumane detention conditions and courthouse ambush operation at 26 Federal Plaza represent a fundamental threat to the rule of law.—
Murad Awawdeh,
New York Daily News,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
DoorDash and Roblox make the list because there are always a couple of companies that amaze and can't be denied.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
4 Aug. 2025
-
What amazed many is that Brooks — who has earned just one All-Defense nod (second team in 2023) — isn’t more respected as a defender, especially because of his versatility.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
The green and whites play excellent attacking soccer and with Isco pulling the strings there is always a chance Betis could upset a big club.—
Vitas Carosella,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Cardi also dropped a trailer for the album, showing her inside a house as crows swarm and attack her mansion.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Bare feet on grass, and astonishment at my little apple tree.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
31 July 2025
-
In an era of deepfakes and algorithmic sleight-of-hand, authentic astonishment is more valuable than ever.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Ralph stunned guests by wearing an 80-foot-long shawl that flowed behind her, covering the 72 steps leading up to the museum.—
Sarah Title,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Though the 25-year-old spent Thursday preparing for a Triple-A game in Buffalo, Roden wasn’t stunned to learned he’d been traded.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Also, when purchasing hiking gear to wear for gorilla trekking, buy only neutral colors—like army green, khaki, black, and tan — to avoid startling them and drawing extra attention to yourself.—
Claire Gallam,
Travel + Leisure,
23 July 2025
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However, the unexpected authenticity of the situation to her Memphis roots initially startled the artist.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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