variants
also surprizes
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
Relevance
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
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
variants
also surprizes
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
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of surprises
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
Anthem’s tools and resources help members find the right care, in the right place, at the right time, resulting in lower costs, fewer surprises, and a simpler care experience.
—Anthem Blue Cross California, Daily News, 10 June 2026
Quirky surprises are tucked all around town, including Pop Culture Antique Museum with shelves brimming with vintage memorabilia and retro collectibles.
—Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
Be open to new romance and surprises.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
By knowing these rules now, retirees can take steps to safeguard their income and avoid costly surprises later.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Other nasty budget surprises include major repair items that cannot wait after being discovered, or major legal expenses from defending lawsuits.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
As riders make their way on the Rip Roarin’ Falls, they’ll be enthralled by the mystery of the mill and encounter various surprises along the way.
—Molly Burford, Southern Living, 9 June 2026
But Philly has always been full of surprises, and nowhere is that more evident than in the city’s food-and-drink scene.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 June 2026
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Now, for the part that surprises most homeowners.
—Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
The 6-foot-4 right-shot defenceman steps into the spot left vacant by Salomonsson’s injury and surprises us with great mobility, efficient puck retrievals, and crisp breakout passes.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Brown Tones Brown tones are the summer trend that surprises her the most.
—Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 24 May 2026
One thing that surprises many patients and families is that sepsis can have a long tail.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
This often surprises people because, biologically speaking, humans aren’t entirely incapable of detecting UV light.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
But every now and then a recipe surprises us.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
However, his decision becomes even more complicated when their foster son, Isaiah (Hero Hunter), surprises them.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Noun
Even with all those extra teams – there’s 48 in this year’s tournament, up 16 from recent editions – there will still be the surprises and upsets that make every World Cup special.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
Anthem’s tools and resources help members find the right care, in the right place, at the right time, resulting in lower costs, fewer surprises, and a simpler care experience.
—Anthem Blue Cross California, Daily News, 10 June 2026
Quirky surprises are tucked all around town, including Pop Culture Antique Museum with shelves brimming with vintage memorabilia and retro collectibles.
—Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
Be open to new romance and surprises.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
By knowing these rules now, retirees can take steps to safeguard their income and avoid costly surprises later.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Other nasty budget surprises include major repair items that cannot wait after being discovered, or major legal expenses from defending lawsuits.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
As riders make their way on the Rip Roarin’ Falls, they’ll be enthralled by the mystery of the mill and encounter various surprises along the way.
—Molly Burford, Southern Living, 9 June 2026
But Philly has always been full of surprises, and nowhere is that more evident than in the city’s food-and-drink scene.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 June 2026
Verb
If those dominoes start to fall in a way that surprises Wall Street, reactions will be much more adverse.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Now, for the part that surprises most homeowners.
—Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
The 6-foot-4 right-shot defenceman steps into the spot left vacant by Salomonsson’s injury and surprises us with great mobility, efficient puck retrievals, and crisp breakout passes.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Brown Tones Brown tones are the summer trend that surprises her the most.
—Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 24 May 2026
One thing that surprises many patients and families is that sepsis can have a long tail.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
This often surprises people because, biologically speaking, humans aren’t entirely incapable of detecting UV light.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
But every now and then a recipe surprises us.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
However, his decision becomes even more complicated when their foster son, Isaiah (Hero Hunter), surprises them.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprises
Noun
-
New York — One of the biggest mysteries of the global economy is why the oil market has remained so calm during one of the greatest supply shocks in history.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
-
As the shocks from the Middle East crisis get passed on to consumers, inflation is set to rise while growth is expected to slow, further narrowing India’s appeal among global investors.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The Oscars, airing March 2 on ABC and streaming live on Hulu, will offer up kudos for some of these astonishments.—
Peter Rainer,
Christian Science Monitor,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Cuba also maintains elite forces trained for counter-special-operations missions, guerrilla warfare, ambushes, sabotage and close protection of senior leaders.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
-
Even in areas not under its direct control, the widespread sympathy in rural areas allows JNIM to set up ambushes along the main roads and dominate the main supply routes into the capitals, especially in Mali.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
This technology still amazes me.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
8 June 2026
-
What still amazes a man who has to be hard to impress is the Gunnison Tunnel.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Democrats, meanwhile, say the rhetoric sounds strikingly similar to the populist arguments advanced by the very progressives DeSantis routinely attacks.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2026
-
Dennis waits until Mallory leaves to go on a bike ride, and then attacks her on the path.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The building jolts and is cloaked in blackness.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 May 2026
-
Edwards’ explosiveness produces randomized jolts of spectacular.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
That changed rapidly as Argentina flew out of the traps and picked apart their jaded opponents, going 2-0 up after 36 minutes, with the first goal a Messi penalty.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
-
Use Sticky Traps Keep the sticky traps out to monitor your success.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Laura Dern looks amazing in marabou feathers, Marissa Long stuns in sequins, and Chris Messina is also there.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 May 2026
-
Torch Lake in Michigan stuns with its clear turquoise water, glacial origins, and iconic summer sandbar scene.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surprises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprises. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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