Synonyms of surprises

surprises 1 of 2

noun

variants also surprizes

plural of surprise

1

as in shocks

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

• shocks
• jolts
• revelations
• bombshells
• stunners
• bolts from the blue
• jaw-droppers
• jars
• shockers
• wonders
• marvels
• amazements
• eye-openers
• kickers
• twists
• thunderclaps
• fillips
• wrinkles
• kicks

2

as in amazements

the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual

stared in utter surprise at the deer in his cabin

Synonyms & Similar Words

• amazements
• astonishments
• shocks
• wonderments
• dismays
• wonders
• confusions
• awes
• stupefactions
• startlements
• startles
• bewilderments
• consternations
• discomfitures

3

as in ambushes

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

• ambushes
• ambushments
• attacks
• traps
• ambuscades
• assaults
• charges
• sallies
• snares
• captures
• entrapments
• mousetraps
• huntings

surprises

2 of 2

verb

variants also surprizes

present tense third-person singular of surprise

1

as in amazes

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

• amazes
• shocks
• stuns
• startles
• astonishes
• rocks
• flabbergasts
• astounds
• dumbfounds
• stupefies
• takes by surprise
• bowls over
• takes aback
• bewilders
• perplexes
• confuses
• thunderstrikes
• blindsides
• dismays
• disconcerts
• befuddles
• floors
• shakes up
• discomfits
• blows away
• dazes
• nonpluses
• muddles
• confounds
• jars
• knocks for a loop

2

as in attacks

to lie in wait for and attack by surprise

FBI agents surprised the counterfeiters in their own base of operations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ambushes
• attacks
• waylays
• captures
• assaults
• ambuscades
• traps
• storms
• jumps
• hunts
• tackles
• sallies
• assails
• strikes
• snares
• charges
• stalks
• mugs
• ensnares
• preys (on or upon)
• nets
• pounces (on)
• entraps
• mousetraps

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of surprises

Noun

The New York Giants are one of the NFL's biggest surprises this season, sitting atop the NFC East. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

So coastal regions can’t let their guard down yet – the season could bring more surprises. — Christopher Davis, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026

There are no surprises in the Broncos’ final injury report of the week. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026

In other surprises, collectors of all ages are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence for advice, recommendations, and provenance checks, jumping from four percent in 2024 to 22 percent this year. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

There’s a weightiness to this project that’s not lost on the director, whose aim is to deliver a production as close to Larson’s vision as possible — retaining its period and NYC setting — with a few surprises. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Among its biggest winners are vocal powerhouses Adele and Olivia Rodrigo, though the category is not without its surprises. — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026

This year, October Prime Day includes deals on tried-and-true favorites and a few surprises. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2026

Thursday is The New York Times’s favorite day of the week to publish crosswords with twists, surprises or extra layers of trickery to puzzle over. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Verb

Pears The fiber content of pears often surprises people, Johnson said. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2026

The workers’ comp rule that surprises almost everyone Most states require workers’ compensation insurance once a business hires its first employee. — Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

In the scene, Ashley dances in her bedroom to music on her Walkman when Smith walks in and surprises her by dancing along. — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

The consequence is really mechanical attacking that surprises nobody and desperately needs a rogue element. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Every March and September, this event attracts spectators from all over to Apache Junction, eager to witness this breathtaking moment when nature surprises us. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Vintage Lighting Lighting is another one that surprises people, Gruver says. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026

But the 'people's RV maker' often surprises with its annual Caravan Salon slate. — New Atlas, 11 Aug. 2026

Advertisement Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease, a connection Markowski says surprises many dog owners. — Angela Haupt, Time, 3 Aug. 2026