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 astonishment
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
Michael O’Donnell,
The Atlantic,
2 July 2026
Sal Vulcano's childhood crush Alyssa Milano makes a surprise appearance.
—
Derek Lawrence,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 July 2026
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Investors who watch only the climate beat will keep being surprised by the ones that come from everywhere else.
—
Tenzin Seldon,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
Thomson’s about-face over the movies might be a surprise, but that a critic of his stature would wrestle with cinema’s enduring value is not.
—
Michael O’Donnell,
The Atlantic,
2 July 2026
Sal Vulcano's childhood crush Alyssa Milano makes a surprise appearance.
—
Derek Lawrence,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 July 2026
Verb
The names on the list don’t surprise me.
—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Investors who watch only the climate beat will keep being surprised by the ones that come from everywhere else.
—
Tenzin Seldon,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
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Cold water shock impairs breathing and can overwhelm even strong swimmers within seconds.
-
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa declared today a national holiday after the country’s soccer team reached the knockout phase of the World Cup with a shock 2-1 win over Germany.
Noun
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The tournament brought more than a million visitors into the country, and a striking number of them have spent the trip documenting their astonishment at things Americans stopped seeing years ago.
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To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.
Noun
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None of them needed an ambush jersey to do it.
-
The film will follow a pregnant woman (Burn) trapped in the Guatemalan wilderness after a violent cartel ambush.
Verb
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For the majority of viewers who held out for the subscription streaming release rather than paying to rent or purchase, this news is amaze, amaze, amaze.
-
On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you.
Verb
-
He is accused of attacking a 27-year-old man with a beer mug inside the Hula Bar on Saturday night.
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Liv Morgan controversially interrupted Iyo Sky's coronation, attacking her and forcing a tap-out.
Noun
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The metal-and-glass construction gives it a more elevated look than its price might suggest, while the color combinations add a cheerful, almost retro jolt to a shelf, side table, or countertop.
-
Takeoff and landing are when many aviation incidents occur—they’re considered the most critical phases of a flight and when an aircraft is most vulnerable to sudden, unexpected jolts of motion.
Noun
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The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.
-
Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.
Verb
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The unusual attack Monday night stunned the elite principality on the Mediterranean Coast.
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The South American side stunned four-time world champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after the teams were tied 1-1 following extra time on Monday, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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