surprise 1 of 2

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

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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

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

surprise

2 of 2

verb

variants also surprize

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

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 surprise
Noun
For others, these surprises can come in the form of health crises or emergencies involving aging relatives, requiring international travel and extra expenses that aren’t easy to predict. Essence, 23 Oct. 2025 Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie made a surprise move in Wednesday’s season opener against the Phoenix Suns. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
The reaction surprised him in part because the crane poster is much less colorful than his typical designs. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025 The petite sizing is a great match for any miniature tree installation or a fun way to surprise someone who’s a longtime collector. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
  • Sudden macroeconomic shocks or trend reversals can push prices well below the EMA, leading to mark-to-market losses or assignments on declining stocks.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Eight years on, FII has evolved from a stage for shock-and-awe reveals into a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s maturing economic strategy, and of Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) central role in driving it.
    Wael Mahdi, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • More than six months later, a reply arrived in the mail—sparking amazement and confusion in her household, and fascination among viewers online.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Teammates Curry and Horford, watching in street clothes from the bench, looked on in equal parts disbelief and amazement.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After what witnesses and victims described as an ambush, some inmates seized and passed out from the fumes.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Israel launched strikes against Hamas in Gaza and reportedly suspended all aid shipments on Sunday after blaming Hamas for a lethal Palestinian ambush that left two soldiers dead.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This isn’t the first time a dog has amazed the internet with spinal walking.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Kim Kardashian knows how to turn heads, but the reaction to her shapewear brand Skims unveiling of thongs with fake pubic hair amazed even her.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the game, Elliott operated as the right ‘No 10’ (attacking midfielder), passing neatly and playing well in a first half that only offered promise in spurts.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • All patients were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy drugs that help the immune system recognize and attack tumor cells more effectively.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Many people who knew Mamdani before his run for mayor confessed to some astonishment at the success of his campaign.
    Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
  • There was a mix of astonishment and reservation in Kyiv on Wednesday — contrasted with bitter dismissal and some mocking defiance in Moscow — after President Donald Trump said Ukraine could reclaim all of its territory, a dramatic change in rhetoric on the war.
    Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Those close to me were stunned by my transformation.
    Connie Bennett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Rafael and Deneane Hancock, who took first place, stunned the crowd with a C-Walk midway through their second scored couples dance.
    Alexa Stone Updated October 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Across America, Halloween spending is expected to reach record levels this year, including large crowds waiting for their chance to be chased, startled and screamed at.
    Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
  • White disappears completely into the role without skirting parody, portraying the exhausted hitmaker as startled by his own numbness, blanked out and unsure of what to do next.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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