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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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
Caroline Blair, People.com, 26 June 2025
In a surprise move, The Walt Disney Co. and the cable giant Charter have inked a new deal that expands their landmark 2023 carriage agreement to bring Hulu to Spectrum TV customers, while returning eight linear cable channels that had been pulled from its lineup.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 26 June 2025
Although the move might have disappointed a certain segment of fans hoping Queen might return for his sophomore year with new coach Buzz Williams, his decision did not surprise many.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
The 2025 event featured a surprise performance from Kelce's girlfriend, Taylor Swift, while Kane Brown was onstage.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 26 June 2025
In a surprise move, The Walt Disney Co. and the cable giant Charter have inked a new deal that expands their landmark 2023 carriage agreement to bring Hulu to Spectrum TV customers, while returning eight linear cable channels that had been pulled from its lineup.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
Verb
Commenters on the post were not surprised by his entrance.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 26 June 2025
Although the move might have disappointed a certain segment of fans hoping Queen might return for his sophomore year with new coach Buzz Williams, his decision did not surprise many.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
-
In the age of Trump’s global tariffs, Beijing is unleashing an export shock across the globe.—
Kristina Karisch,
The Hill,
19 June 2025
-
The majority of those injured at Soroka were hurt while seeking shelter or suffered from shock.—
Amanda Castro
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Then, to my utter amazement, four geese tumbled one by one out of the line-stone dead, not even a kicker.—
Nash Buckingham,
Outdoor Life,
19 June 2025
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Within three weeks, to Akasha’s amazement, Shimshai was up to 40 orders a day.—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Also watch out for ambush drones parked by the side of the road, which take off when a target approached.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
But in South Africa, the two leaders’ reaction to their Oval Office ambush served as a remarkable public display of a new era in the country’s politics, one marked by solidarity and compromise.—
Kate Bartlett,
Christian Science Monitor,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
History is a window onto the past that always surprises and amazes me.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
13 June 2025
-
The science behind the process continues to amaze me.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
Boone acknowledged that location will be key for Stroman, who can no longer attack hitters head-on at this stage of his career.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
28 June 2025
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The wild and ugly scenes saw rioters attack law enforcement with rocks and Molotov cocktails while others burned vehicles and other property.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Johansson even joked in her musical monologue that castmember Sarah Sherman was leaving, to Sherman's mock astonishment.—
Eric Deggans,
NPR,
18 May 2025
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In a perfect world for Robertson, the astonishment and bewilderment Knies had at Robertson’s game would be enough to push Robertson into the playoffs.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The trade stunned the sport, perplexed rival executives and devastated Bostonians.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
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Charlotte had stunned the Canucks with a goal at the 8:22 mark of the first period, and the game was tied 1-1 entering the final 20 minutes.—
Steve Lyttle,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Driver hit a pole after cicada startled them The crash happened around 1:48 p.m. on June 11 in Blue Ash, a suburb of Cincinnati, according to a crash report obtained by USA TODAY.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
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At one point, before anyone could intervene, the baby startled my dog, and my dog reacted by biting him.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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