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

Do not be surprised if their latest batch of prodigies spring a couple of surprises. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

In Mina, the encampment outside Mecca where millions of pilgrims stay each year, buffet catering is provided, along with occasional surprises such as popcorn machines and ice cream. — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

This will help prevent any unwelcome surprises down the road. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

The Miami Dolphins named its six captains on Monday, of which there should be no surprises. — Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2026

Fielder is hoping to keep the film’s biggest surprises under wraps. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Undaunted by delay, Byrne said that Venus continues to surprise — and additional surprises are surely to come. — Leonard David, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2026

That transformation — from a place Underwood largely experienced alone into one increasingly shared with others — has become one of the biggest surprises of the project. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

But as was the case on Emmy-nominations morning, there are sure to be surprises when the final Emmy winners are announced on September 14. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

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

Tight end Tyler Fortenberry said Rogers' prediction surprises no one on the team. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

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

Therapists also suggest talking honestly about debt, credit and any financial obligations one partner is bringing into the relationship, so nothing surprises the other person after the boxes are unpacked. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026

In my experience, what surprises visitors most is Kyoto’s ability to turn seasonality into an almost theatrical experience. — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Khloé Kardashian surprises fans at her local Los Angeles Costco to celebrate her new protein popcorn, Khloud, being available in the supermarket chain on July 26. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

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