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
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Recent Examples of surprise
Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
A little nostalgia, a sense of surprise, a lot of heart — and a little chaos, the producers say.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
The College of Cardinals sometimes surprises its own members, as was the case with the election of Francis.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
Dallas's remarkable success in recent weeks while missing not only Doncic, but also Davis, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford and Caleb Martin has been one of the biggest surprises across the league.
—Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
A little nostalgia, a sense of surprise, a lot of heart — and a little chaos, the producers say.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
The Italian and his staff were surprised by the media reports — some of which came from within the club — insisting that Fortea would stay with the first team.
—Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
The College of Cardinals sometimes surprises its own members, as was the case with the election of Francis.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
-
Hamilton, 40, got his first chance to drive Ferrari’s new car for the 2025 season in a short shakedown test at its private test track in Italy on Wednesday following his shock winter move.—
Luke Smith,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Dreamy forests and bright angels curdle and mutate into digital grotesquerie, a Spam Folder of faceless creatures and shock shlock.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Several years ago, many of us shared amazement when the State’s current owners, Red and Linda McMonagle, reopened the movie house after an extensive remodeling.—
Doug Hanneman,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Out of these mixings will come magnificent horrors and amazements.—
Hillary Kelly,
The Atlantic,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
After a 40-bank robbing spree, the saga of South Florida’s most infamous gangsters ended with a midnight police ambush on a bridge over Sebastian Inlet that left Ashley and his cohorts dead.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2025
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Infuriated by the Oct 7, 2023, ambush, prosecutors say, Czuba directed his anger and his bigotry at the kindergartner and his mother, Hanan Shaheen, who are Muslims of Palestinian descent.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
What amazed me was that Zeah was already on home detention for a rack of serious criminal charges.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The Chiefs didn’t amaze us on an every-game basis, not really, anyway.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Despite losing all three, there were significant improvements collectively and individually, with contributions from attacking starlets Nico Paz, who scored against Atalanta, and Diao, who got the equaliser against Juventus.—
David Ferrini,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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The case, which generated headlines around the world, comes amid rising hostility against Muslims and Palestinians in the U.S. since Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023.—
Sophia Tareen and Melissa Perez Winder,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Confidential and Memento, Pearce is, to the astonishment of many, celebrating his very first Oscar nomination this year, with his terrifying supporting turn in The Brutalist.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2025
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In her episode, Roan recreates the cover of her 2023 album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, all while going long about her influences and her astonishment at her meteoric rise to stardom.—
James Factora,
Them,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The TikTok post has since gained attention, and Keziah was stunned by the reaction.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Then, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams stunned with her voluminous loose curls and signature brown lip liner and lipstick combo.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Though friendly toward her until that moment, Tembo was startled by the noise.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
But when Freed walked away, the elk got startled and ran into a gully full of snow.—
The Steamboat Pilot,
The Denver Post,
4 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to surprise
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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