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
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Recent Examples of surprise
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 May 2026
That’s no surprise, as Shiflet has a large following on social media.
—Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 16 May 2026
Her answer surprised me with its specificity.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
Paul McCartney closed on Saturday Night Live season 51 with a surprise encore performance during goodnights.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 May 2026
That’s no surprise, as Shiflet has a large following on social media.
—Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Verb
First off, he was surprised by the number of diminutive people looking to take a punch at him, the way Apollo Creed did his alter-ego Rocky Balboa — starting with Paddy Chayefsky, the playwright and Network screenwriter who was up against Stallone for Best Screenplay.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 16 May 2026
Her answer surprised me with its specificity.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
-
Though conditions are more acute in Myanmar due to the civil war, experts warn the chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz could also dent rice production across the region – with potentially huge shocks for food security.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
16 May 2026
-
The balloon emits electrical shocks that help break up the calcium and allow the stent to open wider.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
To her horrified astonishment, Miss Manners has received a number of letters reporting that guests are taking gross advantage of hospitality by cadging future meals.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
12 May 2026
-
To many, weather is an inconvenience to be overcome rather than an ever-changing astonishment to be experienced.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Modern technology lets pitchers experiment with grips and spins to create gnarly movement and ambush batters with off-speed action.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Despite the groups’ divergent ideologies, the cooperation appears to have produced clear tactical convergence, including town takeovers, the use of suicide bombings, and sniper and ambush tactics.—
Amira Jadoon,
The Conversation,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The imposing tower never ceases to amaze local resident Ogden Driskill, whose family has ranched on the land at its base for generations.—
Marnie Hunter,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
-
When Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the telephone at America’s Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, the invention amazed the crowd.—
David H. Hsu,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, supporters insist their goal is not to attack a student, but to defend women’s sports.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
Both sides accuse the other of intentionally attacking civilian targets.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
For Riley, this was a jolt of illumination about the way the world viewed him—not as a child but as a suspect, a scammer in the making.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Shot in Scope, filled with intimate closeups of the couple, the film lets the audience experience the same upsetting jolt as Gil over Jacques’ desire for control and toxic possessiveness.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Two years later — to my complete amazement — that idea has become a movement.—
Blake Crisses,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2026
-
To Nico’s amazement, the mysterious house where Gela lives with her faithful dog is actually full of secrets.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Wild-eyed in a register that ranges from dreamy to terrified to stunned into submission, her performance is the most honestly felt thing here.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
18 May 2026
-
Authorities discovered the bodies of a man who worked for Henry County, a woman and an infant in a McDonough home on Tuesday night, leaving the woman’s family devastated and the man’s coworkers within the county’s Department of Transportation stunned.—
Reed Williams,
AJC.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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