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
Furthermore, the maneuver may not even get off the ground, as at least four of the fleet’s combined task forces routinely patrol the Persian Gulf and the Strait, and their surveillance may take away the element of surprise.
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Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
Blind boxes rely on the element of surprise and artificial scarcity, as shoppers buy boxes in the hope of getting a rare item.
—Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Every near-miss is a heart-stopper, but Samantha’s eventual death relies not on the element of surprise, but on vital information being presented upfront, so that the anxiety of it eventually coming into play leaves no room for respite.
—Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025
In conflicts, the element of surprise and creativity is as important as being strong, out maneuvering your opponents.
—Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for element of surprise
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Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
Blind boxes rely on the element of surprise and artificial scarcity, as shoppers buy boxes in the hope of getting a rare item.
—Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Every near-miss is a heart-stopper, but Samantha’s eventual death relies not on the element of surprise, but on vital information being presented upfront, so that the anxiety of it eventually coming into play leaves no room for respite.
—Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025
In conflicts, the element of surprise and creativity is as important as being strong, out maneuvering your opponents.
—Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 1 June 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 28 Jun. 2025.
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