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

Our personalized one-on-one service delivers solutions, suggestions and even surprises to make every day exceptional. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

The process of filming September Afternoon came with some surprises. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026

And as the reservoir continues to recede, officials expect there could be more surprises waiting beneath the surface. — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

The bathhouse proved to be one of the excavation’s biggest surprises. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

After ensuring that there were no surprises, engineers updated Voyager 2’s onboard software. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Buyers can complete due diligence more efficiently, which often leads to smoother negotiations and fewer surprises. — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Through six practices, there are already some players standing out, including one of TCU’s top transfer portal additions, along with a few surprises from some underclassmen. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026

Doyle was a starter on three straight 100-plus loss teams in Colorado, but will now suit up for AL Central-leading White Sox, who are one of baseball's biggest surprises just two years after setting a modern record with 121 losses. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 3 Aug. 2026

Verb

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

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