element of surprise
noun phrase
: the unexpected or surprising character of something
The attackers were relying on the element of surprise.
Examples of element of surprise in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The element of surprise might be their best shot against the veteran Wildcats.
—
Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
By then, Russian forces had dug formidable defenses, including trenches, landmines, and tank traps — and the element of surprise, which Ukraine had used to great advantage in the first year of the war, was lost.
—Jamie McIntyre, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Moreover, the moon will meet with erratic Uranus — the planet of chaos, upheaval and unexpected breakthroughs — adding an element of surprise to the mix.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
As Moutet showed in a remarkable match against Sebastian Ofner at last year’s French Open, this piece of tennis antagonism should be more often venerated as a smart tactic, giving the server another strategic option and the element of surprise.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for element of surprise
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Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
By then, Russian forces had dug formidable defenses, including trenches, landmines, and tank traps — and the element of surprise, which Ukraine had used to great advantage in the first year of the war, was lost.
—Jamie McIntyre, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Moreover, the moon will meet with erratic Uranus — the planet of chaos, upheaval and unexpected breakthroughs — adding an element of surprise to the mix.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
As Moutet showed in a remarkable match against Sebastian Ofner at last year’s French Open, this piece of tennis antagonism should be more often venerated as a smart tactic, giving the server another strategic option and the element of surprise.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for element of surprise
Cite this Entry
“Element of surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/element%20of%20surprise. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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