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

There’s new plumbing and electric, too, so hopefully no surprises down the road. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 20 July 2026

While researching ancient Greek hair practices, Casny came across a few surprises. — Sophia Panych, Allure, 20 July 2026

On the cost side, Amazon says sellers won’t see any surprises. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

The expansion to 48 teams and 104 games, meanwhile, made room for a number of surprises that gave the tournament its life and sparkle. — Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

When images of the asteroid Torifune arrived on the morning of July 6 Japan time, Makoto Yoshikawa and his team at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) got two surprises at once. — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 19 July 2026

Unheralded Ryan Fox of New Zealand drilled a 12-foot birdie putt on the final hole to win by one, capping an eventful championship and a major season not short of surprises. — Justin Ray, New York Times, 19 July 2026

The Dylan scholars note that recent sets have had a similarity and few, if any, surprises. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

No one needs your screenshots, receipts or random camera roll surprises popping up on a 65-inch TV. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026

Verb

What surprises me, actually, is – not surprises me, but what gratifies me is that Iranian attacks have been – not been larger or more capable. — CBS News, 12 July 2026

The Park Hyatt Chicago, which opened in 1980 as the first-ever Park Hyatt hotel, immediately surprises with its boutique vibe. — Rima Suqi, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

Of course, something can always happen that surprises us and throws Wall Street for a loop. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026

But Armand surprises himself sometimes with the admissions that come out. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 July 2026

However, this is also a series that surprises audiences with mysterious twins that have been under your nose the whole time. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 29 June 2026

Himalayan Restaurant Similar to Tropicali, Himalayan Restaurant surprises visitors to downtown Big Bear with its impressive Indian and Nepalese food. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026

What surprises people most is the diversity of the landscape here. — Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 26 June 2026

The explanation often surprises viewers, many of whom assume a house sold for one euro must come with significant strings attached. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026