Synonyms of take by surprise

take by surprise

phrase

as in surprise

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected

I was taken by surprise when I heard the news and had trouble getting my thoughts together.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surprise
• shock
• amaze
• stun
• startle
• take aback
• astonish
• bowl over
• rock
• thunderstrike
• dumbfound
• stupefy
• blow away
• flabbergast
• shake up
• astound
• floor
• confuse
• knock for a loop
• bewilder
• daze
• dismay
• perplex
• jar
• disconcert
• blindside
• befuddle
• muddle
• nonplus
• discomfit
• confound

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of take by surprise

There was no chance Scotland would be taken by surprise at kickoff, like England was last weekend at Ellis Park. — ABC News, 11 July 2026