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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
His unit was transferred to federal service in 1941 following Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025 Of course, nuclear war is so horrible that the reciprocal fear of surprise attack may never lead to an actual outbreak of war. Robert A. Pape, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Verb
Yet, like Rotenberg, many people are surprised by their diagnosis—dry eyes aren’t on their radar. Angela Haupt, Time, 21 July 2025 In an interview with TSN, the McLaren boss was asked if he was surprised by Horner's exit. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
  • With no traditional risk factors and a dentist who initially dismissed her concerns, the news came as a shock.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • This good news probably comes as a shock to the average American consumer, and certainly to the average Democrat, who earlier this year thought Trump would usher in America’s Dark Ages.
    E.J. Antoni, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • The proud dad shared an adorable new photo with their little one on Instagram Wednesday, July 3 On Wednesday, July 2, Irwin's husband, Chandler Powell, 28, shared an adorable Instagram photo of Grace Warrior Irwin Powell staring in amazement at a rainbow.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 4 July 2025
  • Others shared their amazement at the animals captured on the video.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The charges stem from an ambush at the Prairieland Detention Center earlier this month.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 16 July 2025
  • But in a motion last week, Lively’s team objected to that location, saying that Baldoni’s lawyers were setting up a media ambush, in which Lively would be besieged by paparazzi on her way in and out.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Its steadfast dedication to its classic roots, combined with a fearless spirit of innovation, results in pieces that never fail to amaze.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
  • Red tint amazes skywatchers Smartphones not enough to capture moon's beauty What would a lunar eclipse look like if the earth was flat?
    Jenny Porter Tilley, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement Huckabee also visited the Christian community of Taybeh in the West Bank on Saturday after a church was reportedly attacked and vandalized by Israeli settlers.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 22 July 2025
  • Amorim needs a mobile centre forward capable of attacking open space at speed and offering a threat in quick transition.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Among many of those who worked alongside him at UEFA, there is astonishment at the way Infantino first seized power and quickly learned to embrace it.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 June 2025
  • Others expressed astonishment that daily life still continues amid conflict.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The Princess of Wales also stunned in a gold cape dress for the No Time to Die James Bond premiere in 2021 and for a 2023 State Visit by the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Meta Platforms, under the leadership of CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has ignited a fierce battle for artificial intelligence (AI) talent, offering compensation packages that have stunned Silicon Valley and the global tech industry.
    Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Many dogs and other pets were startled by the noise and ran away, shelter officials said, and good Samaritans found them and brought them to shelters.
    Marcus D. Smith July 7, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025
  • On June 2, the heart of Sicily—Mount Etna—experienced a volcanic eruption that startled tourists, summoned emergency alerts, and shot lava and ash high into the sky.
    Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

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