SURPRIZED Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

surprised 1 of 2

adjective

variants also surprized

Definition of surprised

as in startled

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surprised

2 of 2

verb

variants also surprized

past tense of surprise

as in amazed

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

as in ambushed

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 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

Nobody should’ve been surprised to see Tom Dundon’s name engraved on the Stanley Cup. — Sean Gentille, New York Times, 10 July 2026 Either way, don’t be surprised if fellow beachgoers stop you on the boardwalk to ask where your breezy dress is from. — Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Verb

Emma Rasco, 19, was also surprised by the choice in wedding venue. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 His statement surprised many fans, because most of Murakami's protagonists are young or middle-aged men. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for surprised

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprised

Adjective

One of them who’d worked with Juliatra-Monoth gave him a startled look.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 June 2026
Ahn seems mildly startled to hear his own consistency read back to him.

— Joshua Encinias, IndieWire, 17 June 2026

Definition of startled

Verb

On May 17, 1777, a group of British soldiers, loyalist militia and Native Americans ambushed Georgia Patriots near the mouth of Thomas Creek, near what is now the Jacksonville airport.

— Lane Degregory, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
The first convoy sent by the Malian army was ambushed last Sunday, FLA said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Definition of ambushed

Adjective

Williams and Mboko were solid, and at times spectacular, during a 7-6(2), 6-2 win over Routliffe and Melichar-Martinez, who seemed a little over-awed by the situation in front of them.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 21 June 2026
Simmons, who would miss the induction ceremony due to an undisclosed family emergency (the band’s representative affirmed all is well), was also equal parts honored and awed.

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Definition of awed

Verb

Don’t be shocked if you’re stopped at a traffic light and a car without a human behind the wheel pulls up next to you.

— Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
After the blowback that decision received, however, I’d be shocked if Belichick wasn’t a part of the Class of 2027).

— Scott Fowler July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

Definition of shocked

Verb

So the next time your brand wants to bare its teeth, picture Mickey in his tuxedo being attacked by an oversized beaver.

— Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
The suspect is believed to be a woman, but investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the teen was attacked by a man wearing women’s clothes, according to a law enforcement source.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026

Definition of attacked

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Style

“Surprised.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprised. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of surprised

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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