surprised 1 of 2

variants also surprized
Definition of surprisednext

surprised

2 of 2

verb

variants also surprized
past tense of surprise

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 surprised
Adjective
In the Middle Tennessee region, many were surprised to wake to dry conditions. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Jan. 2026 The surprised quickly turned to worry as many areas where outreach workers previously met with unhoused people were empty. Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
You'd be forgiven for being surprised by it. Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026 Recovery surprised me—and will vary from person to person. Dory Zayas, SELF, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surprised
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprised
Adjective
  • According to a Facebook post shared by Friends of Horsey Seals, the startled angler had just caught a fish and was attempting to place it into his net when the seal suddenly popped up and went for the same catch.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
  • Newton appeared startled but was compliant as she was handcuffed.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The universe amazed me yet again.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 17 Nov. 2025
  • In 1905, German zoologist Gustav Tornier described a live-bearing toad from Tanzania that amazed scientists of his time.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • While refusing to fight for the Confederacy and trying to reach safety in Mexico, the group was ambushed by Confederate soldiers on horseback in the 1862 Battle of the Nueces, also called the Nueces massacre.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The Colorado Avalanche ambushed the Ottawa Senators’ goaltenders so badly Thursday night, the visitors signed a new one in the middle of the game.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Then, the show shocked the world by sending Scarab home.
    Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Jan. 2026
  • So, where is Wade Wilson now, years after the murders that shocked Cape Coral?
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • One study in 2020 surveyed 261 herders in Mongolia, another common habitat for snow leopards; while many reported having seen snow leopards, or had their livestock attacked by snow leopards, none reported any attacks on humans.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The upstream piranhas attacked her, and her blood flowing downstream attracted the rest of the piranhas, leaving the creek clear for the herd to cross.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • From decades old stalwarts that awed generations of diners to relative newcomers that arrived boasting critical acclaim, here are a few of the closures that hit hardest in 2025.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025
  • The Aggies lauded Kentucky as a great team and were still laughing in disbelief after the match, awed by their own accomplishments.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Jacquot later echoed that gratitude herself in a video update, telling viewers she was stunned by what the internet had done for her grandson.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
  • This came a month after Oliver Laxe’s film stunned observers by popping off at the Oscars shortlists, so that’s two industry precursors the film has made waves at despite being Neon’s fourth priority.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The usually positive Gauff went negative, lacked energy and seemed bewildered and overwhelmed.
    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Since his starring days at Gonzaga, Timme has earned bewildered double takes.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Surprised.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprised. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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