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 past three years, for instance, have demonstrated that the element of surprise remains an integral part of war.
—
Mick Ryan, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2025
Sage said the tactic has three absolute requirements: the element of surprise, overwhelming power and moving as quickly as possible to secure the location.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Instead, look for hardware and fixtures that introduce an element of surprise or a statement-making moment.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025
The element of surprise might be their best shot against the veteran Wildcats.
—Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for element of surprise
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mick Ryan, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2025
Sage said the tactic has three absolute requirements: the element of surprise, overwhelming power and moving as quickly as possible to secure the location.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Instead, look for hardware and fixtures that introduce an element of surprise or a statement-making moment.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025
The element of surprise might be their best shot against the veteran Wildcats.
—Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 28 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 16 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share