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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of surprise
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
The new Round of 32 will have to do some of that work of adding surprise and peril to the big favorites.
—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
28 June 2026
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Investors who watch only the climate beat will keep being surprised by the ones that come from everywhere else.
—
Tenzin Seldon,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
This is in contrast to the early years of ride-sharing companies, which arrived much more suddenly, taking the existing taxi players by surprise and, in short order, coming close to wiping them out.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
The new Round of 32 will have to do some of that work of adding surprise and peril to the big favorites.
—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
28 June 2026
Verb
The names on the list don’t surprise me.
—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Investors who watch only the climate beat will keep being surprised by the ones that come from everywhere else.
—
Tenzin Seldon,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
-
Cold water shock impairs breathing and can overwhelm even strong swimmers within seconds.
-
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa declared today a national holiday after the country’s soccer team reached the knockout phase of the World Cup with a shock 2-1 win over Germany.
Noun
-
The tournament brought more than a million visitors into the country, and a striking number of them have spent the trip documenting their astonishment at things Americans stopped seeing years ago.
-
To the astonishment of many a Bobhead, Dylan’s guitarist Doug Lancio was replaced in Santa Barbara by Julian Lage, the youngish jazz star known for his work with Gary Burton and John Zorn.
Noun
-
None of them needed an ambush jersey to do it.
-
The film will follow a pregnant woman (Burn) trapped in the Guatemalan wilderness after a violent cartel ambush.
Verb
-
More than 30 years later, what amazes me isn’t just what that team accomplished on the field.
-
This technology still amazes me.
Verb
-
He is accused of attacking a 27-year-old man with a beer mug inside the Hula Bar on Saturday night.
-
Liv Morgan controversially interrupted Iyo Sky's coronation, attacking her and forcing a tap-out.
Noun
-
The action sequences are jerky and disjointed; Supergirl’s laser eyes constitute the only occasional, if inadequate, jolt of life.
-
Dorofeyev will join fellow 25-and-under forwards Alexis Lafrenière and Gabe Perreault in a top six that suddenly has a jolt of offensive potential.
Noun
-
The two, alongside friend Cameron Munro, were among the thousands of Scottish supporters who descended on Fenway Park earlier this week, to the amazement and delight of many Red Sox fans.
-
Even his core interest in creatures, so often a well of amazement and positivity, couldn’t pull him up.
Verb
-
The unusual attack Monday night stunned the elite principality on the Mediterranean Coast.
-
The South American side stunned four-time world champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after the teams were tied 1-1 following extra time on Monday, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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