Synonyms of surprise

surprise 1 of 2

noun

sər-ˈprīz 

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

• shock
• revelation
• bombshell
• jolt
• bolt from the blue
• stunner
• bolt out of the blue
• jaw-dropper
• amazement
• marvel
• shocker
• wonder
• jar
• eye-opener
• thunderclap
• twist
• fillip
• wrinkle
• kicker
• kick

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

• amazement
• astonishment
• shock
• confusion
• startlement
• stupefaction
• awe
• wonder
• wonderment
• dismay
• startle
• bewilderment
• consternation
• discomfiture

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

• ambush
• ambushment
• attack
• trap
• assault
• ambuscade
• capture
• charge
• sally
• snare
• hunting
• entrapment
• mousetrap
• stalking

surprise

2 of 2

verb

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

• amaze
• shock
• stun
• startle
• astonish
• dumfound
• astound
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• take by surprise
• take aback
• stupefy
• thunderstrike
• bowl over
• bewilder
• rock
• dismay
• confuse
• perplex
• floor
• daze
• disconcert
• shake up
• befuddle
• blow away
• blindside
• discomfit
• nonplus
• muddle
• confound
• jar
• knock for a loop

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

• ambush
• attack
• capture
• trap
• waylay
• hunt
• assault
• ambuscade
• charge
• jump
• tackle
• storm
• strike
• assail
• pounce (on)
• snare
• sally
• ensnare
• mug
• prey (on or upon)
• net
• stalk
• entrap
• mousetrap

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

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

Phrases Containing surprise

• take by surprise