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

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

• shock
• astonishment
• amazement
• dismay
• confusion
• wonder
• wonderment
• startlement
• stupefaction
• awe
• 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
• ambuscade
• assault
• capture
• charge
• sally
• hunting
• snare
• 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
• rock
• astound
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• take by surprise
• take aback
• stupefy
• thunderstrike
• bowl over
• bewilder
• confuse
• dismay
• perplex
• floor
• disconcert
• shake up
• befuddle
• blow away
• blindside
• daze
• 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
• assault
• capture
• waylay
• ambuscade
• trap
• jump
• hunt
• storm
• tackle
• strike
• assail
• pounce (on)
• sally
• ensnare
• mug
• snare
• stalk
• charge
• prey (on or upon)
• net
• 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

Bailey’s return had been a surprise and was not foreseen by Emery weeks earlier. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

This is not much of a surprise given that China is already the country’s largest export destination, accounting for 30 percent of everything Australia sells to the world. — Adam Y. Liu, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026

Verb

My hunch is Penn State will surprise a lot of folks this season — and maybe even knock off Lynn’s old USC team when the Trojans visit for a White Out. — Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Yet Kisley was not surprised by this observation despite its novelty. — Isabel Gil, Scientific American, 3 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing surprise

• take by surprise