variants
also surprize
1
as in shock
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
Relevance
2
as in amazement
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual
stared in utter surprise at the deer in his cabin
Synonyms & Similar Words
variants
also surprize
1
as in to amaze
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
2
as in to ambush
to lie in wait for and attack by surprise
FBI agents surprised the counterfeiters in their own base of operations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of surprise
Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
At the same time, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, though the mastermind of Hamas' Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel was believed to have been killed in an Israeli airstrike several months before the warrant was issued.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025
Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025
In the weeks that followed, Troy and I were surprised by how happy being married made us.
—Ashley M. Wilcox, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
More than anything, the biggest surprise here has to be the presence of the 2024 Finals MVP (Jaylen Brown) on this list, despite appearing in 60 of the Boston Celtics’ 76 games to this point.
—Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
At the same time, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, though the mastermind of Hamas' Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel was believed to have been killed in an Israeli airstrike several months before the warrant was issued.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
Tyler James Williams surprised a couple of future filmmakers with an Abbott Elementary set visit in Los Angeles, CA.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025
In the weeks that followed, Troy and I were surprised by how happy being married made us.
—Ashley M. Wilcox, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
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An example would be a war or an oil price shock, or the coronavirus pandemic that caused the February to March 2020 bear market.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2025
-
His dissertation for his Harvard University economics PhD – appropriately for the current moment – was about how South Korea’s economy could weather external shocks.—
Mike Valerio,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
To no one’s amazement, Shohei Ohtani homered triumphantly in the Tokyo Series.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Mar. 2025
-
To our collective amazement, the RGB LEDs were able to create wholly recognizable color images.—
Ryan Waniata,
WIRED,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
On hilltops along the Mediterranean coast, Syria’s new General Security forces faced ambushes and attacks.—
Dominique Soguel,
Christian Science Monitor,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Survivors said the attacks in Pine village began in the early hours of Friday, March 7, a day after the initial ambush by Assadist loyalists was reported.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
This isn't the first time a thrift store find has amazed the internet.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Mar. 2025
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After sharing this revelation on TikTok, Kiersten has amazed social media users with the selection of designer bags inside her mom's garage.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Aged 30, Makelele had been converted from an attacking midfielder to a deep-lying, anchoring midfielder that would protect his back line and hoover up any defensive actions that came anywhere near his orbit.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Cena aligned himself with The Rock, attacking Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes after Rhodes turned down The Rock's offer.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
After seven episodes of pained teeth-gritting and wide-eyed astonishment, he’s found closure in confronting the man who killed his father (or not) and finding only a weak old guy too sickly to punch.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
4 Apr. 2025
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The 33rd annual Cushing’s Crossing happens on Saturday, May 3rd, and spectating is free — and highly recommended for belly laughs and general astonishment.—
Kim Westerman,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Related article Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala stuns five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek to reach Miami Open semifinals Despite losing, Eala wore a beaming smile on her face before walking off the court, with the crowd applauding her for a memorable run.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
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Rogen was also stunned when a Hollywood heavyweight director agreed to appear.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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One of the movie’s scenes — startling for its frankness but also its visual beauty — finds the men reclined in the dark of the mine.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
-
The investigations left some school leaders startled and confused, wondering what prompted the inquiries.—
Cheyanne Mumphrey,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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