surprise 1 of 2

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

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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

3
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

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

Example 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
This is no surprise as the moon (ruler of your relationship sector) wanders through your ninth house of expansion and self-discovery. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025 Spillman’s victory was no surprise to the other contestants, according to Connie Crawford, the Vassar freshman who was one of the five finalists. Sandra Gonzalez, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
How strange that a feeling can grow unprompted, from nothing, surprising even your own heart. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025 Villarreal: Is there a source of inspiration that would surprise us, either sound-wise or visual-wise? Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • The United Nations had blamed him for an ambush that killed around two dozen Pakistani soldiers earlier that year, per The New York Times.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • The shooting in the lobby came just days before the first anniversary of the ambush attack on Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Chiefs didn’t amaze us on an every-game basis, not really, anyway.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The Met’s exhibition amazes in two contradictory ways: as a reappreciation of Rudolph’s artistry and as an assessment of his impact on the American city.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Government officials and local civil society leaders didn't immediately comment, though Congo's Communications Ministry said the rebels had violated ceasefire agreements and attacked Congolese troops working to avoid urban warfare and violence in Bukavu.
    JUSTIN KABUMBA, arkansasonline.com, 16 Feb. 2025
  • The mob attacked the sick and elderly and raped multiple women, according to the report.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The 30-second spot showcases Eugene Levy in a hilarious, jaw-dropping moment of astonishment where the irresistible flavor of Crazy Puffs causes his iconic eyebrows to comically disappear.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The announcement shocked the NBA world, with many of the league’s top players taking to social media to express their astonishment.
    Ben Morse, CNN, 4 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

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Cite this Entry

“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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