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
Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Designed for hiking, these overalls come fitted with UPF 50 sun protection and a water-resistant fabric that won’t leave you feeling weighed down by heavy material if you get caught in a surprise storm.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025
The 79-year-old country music icon surprised Dollywood passholders at the opening of her theme park’s 40th season on March 14, marking her first public appearance since her husband’s death.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
Three goals on the night was as many as this Peru team could manage in their previous 12 qualifiers, so the home spectators surely got a welcome surprise in Lima on this occasion.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Designed for hiking, these overalls come fitted with UPF 50 sun protection and a water-resistant fabric that won’t leave you feeling weighed down by heavy material if you get caught in a surprise storm.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Avenue’s last major release was actioner Land Of Bad, which surprised in the top 10 and went on to become one of the biggest independent VOD and streaming hits of the 2024.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025
The 79-year-old country music icon surprised Dollywood passholders at the opening of her theme park’s 40th season on March 14, marking her first public appearance since her husband’s death.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
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The college basketball world was in shock when USC Trojans women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins suffered a season-ending knee injury during the team’s March Madness game against Mississippi State earlier this week.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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This probably won’t come as much of a shock, but worrying incessantly can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health.—
Julia Ries,
SELF,
26 Mar. 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
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But then, on February 28th, Vance tag-teamed with Trump in the Oval Office ambush of Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine.—
Jessica Winter,
The New Yorker,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Watch Whoopi Goldberg lead The View cohosts singing, dancing about harmful tariffs to the tune of 'The Hokey Pokey' Naturally, this led to a live View ambush, with Teta and Behar cold-calling Haines during the recording.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The science behind the process continues to amaze me.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Extraordinary craftsmanship that amazed even the architect.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
This was a departure from Mourinho and Conte, who both moaned about investment, attacked the club culture, exited unceremoniously, and bad-mouthed them afterward.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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By the way, it was attacked from the Pentagon and from the White House as being fake news that this was going to happen and Elon Musk denounced the leak.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Cooper went on to express astonishment at Brown's ability to shrug off the initial insecurity but, ten years after the initial buzz cut, the actress is no stranger to defending herself against critics who comment on her appearance.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
12 Mar. 2025
-
When a seemingly routine Oval Office press conference degenerated into a shouting match on 28 February, the world looked on in astonishment.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 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
-
Rogen was also stunned when a Hollywood heavyweight director agreed to appear.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
There are frequent shots of monkeys around this season’s White Lotus, glaring on branches just out of reach, occasionally bounding down and startling the guests.—
Joe Joyce,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
14 Mar. 2025
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With her nerves already on edge, Blanche is further startled by the arrival of her brother-in-law Stanley, a brutish drunk who has bulldozed his way into Stella’s heart.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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