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

None of this surprises labor economist Michael Rosenbaum, who said the popular narrative is that AI is replacing workers, but that isn’t the whole story. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026

Ahead of this year’s festival, Lim spoke to Variety about lining up so many heavy hitters and whether festivalgoers should be prepared for any surprises. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

From the creators of DreamWorks Animation’s hit series Gabby’s Dollhouse, Doozie’s Doghouse is a mixed-media companion series that continues the fun with tail-wagging surprises, woof-tastic unboxings, and imaginative play. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026

There aren’t many surprises in this vividly realized but predetermined drama. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

My 300-plus-mile itinerary between Los Angeles and San Francisco dipped in and out of these motifs, with surprises along the way. — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

The 2026 Latin Grammy nominations are here — with a few surprises. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

Portaluppi, whose architectural and interior designs rose to fame during the Art Deco and Rationalist periods, was known for his improbable structures and curious nooks and crannies filled with the sort of surprises that excite one’s inner child. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

Throughout the evening, fans were treated to impressive routines, inspirational moments and even a few surprises, including an unexpected tech hiccup that caused ABC to scrap voting on their website. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 15 Sep. 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