Thesaurus results for SURPRISE}

Q: How does the verb 'surprise' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surprise are amaze , astonish , astound , and flabbergast . While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel. // surprised to find them at home

Q: Where would 'amaze' be a reasonable alternative to 'surprise'?

The meanings of amaze and surprise largely overlap; however, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment. // amazed by the immense size of the place

Q: When is it sensible to use 'astonish' instead of 'surprise'?

While the synonyms astonish and surprise are close in meaning, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible. // a discovery that astonished the world

Q: When is 'astound' a more appropriate choice than 'surprise'?

The words astound and surprise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, astound stresses the shock of astonishment. // too astounded to respond

Q: When might 'flabbergast' be a better fit than 'surprise'?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and surprise are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay. // flabbergasted by his angry refusal

surprise 1 of 2

noun

sər-ˈprīz

variants also surprize

Definition of surprise next

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

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

as in ambush

a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait waited under cover of darkness and took the enemy encampment by surprise at dawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

surprise

2 of 2

verb

variants also surprize

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb surprise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surprise are amaze, astonish, astound, and flabbergast. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

Where would amaze be a reasonable alternative to surprise?

The meanings of amaze and surprise largely overlap; however, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When is it sensible to use astonish instead of surprise?

While the synonyms astonish and surprise are close in meaning, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

When is astound a more appropriate choice than surprise?

The words astound and surprise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

When might flabbergast be a better fit than surprise?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and surprise are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of surprise

Noun

As the world watches, one thing is clear: Trump’s return promises surprises. —

David Bach, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025 The Prince of Wales is also participated in some of the sporty activities that the hub has like boxing and foosball — no surprise given his athletic proclivities! —

Janine Henni, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025

Verb

Weezy surprised people by expressing his disappointment on multiple occasions via X and Instagram. —

Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 22 Jan. 2025 The upside earnings surprised many, and consequently, the stock popped. —

Michael Khouw, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for surprise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise

Noun

The paper projects that this reinsurance shock could result in annual premiums going up $700 by 2053.

— Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
In one of the biggest shocks in UFC history, Holm dominated Rousey in the opening round of their bout at the Etihad Stadium, then spectacularly knocked her out with a head kick early in the second round to capture the title and become a two-sport world champion.

— John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025