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
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Recent Examples of surprise
Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2025
This idea has been talked about for nearly 40 years and should not be a surprise.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 9 May 2025
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb surprised many by playing after leaving with an injury late in Game 2 and missing morning skate on Saturday.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
Outside of Italy, the idea that this wine deserves celebration may come as a surprise.
—Verb
Leo's selection surprised the Roman Catholic world.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
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Saudi Press Agency | Via Reuters The toppling of the Assad regime during a shock offensive by anti-Assad militia groups in December last year stunned the global community and brought about the prospect of a new beginning for the devastated country.—
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The woman, who according to the news outlet was five months pregnant, was treated for shock, while her partner’s face was covered in blood.—
Noun
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To my amazement, the weight started falling off after the first few weeks.—
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To my amazement, within a few weeks, Elizabeth had gotten into the habit of asking nicely instead of nagging.—
Noun
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Memories of the ambush on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were still fresh.—
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Joe Bergeron was searching for carjacking suspects in St. Paul when he was killed in an ambush.—
Verb
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The way Yamal is handling his rise does not cease to amaze.—
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Regardless of how or why, that drive continues to amaze me.—
Verb
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An adult son had attacked his mother with a machete and ran to a nearby house, according to police.—
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While in federal prison, according to the Bureau of Prisons, Stroud attacked another inmate, resulting in his transfer to USP Leavenworth.—
Noun
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This article aims to challenge this prevailing sense of astonishment.—
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The accidental inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat detailing where bombs were going to fall in Yemen has managed to elicit bipartisan astonishment and criticism.—
Verb
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At the May 5 event, dubbed fashion's biggest night, Zendaya stunned with a dapper, tailored Louis Vuitton white suit with a matching brimmed hat.—
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Keisha is bound for Howard University, while Justin stunned his parents with the decision to defer his first year at Northwestern in order to pursue his love for music.—
Verb
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Sea pens can produce a bioluminescent glow when disturbed, flashing a greenish light to startle predators such as sea stars and nudibranchs.—
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Long time viewers of 60 Minutes are understandably startled by these high level fireworks.—
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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