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
-
Brody covered his face in shock when Cillian Murphy announced him as the category winner before embracing Chapman.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
3 Mar. 2025
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As trade tensions increase and global supply chains realign, having investment exposure across multiple economic regions reduces portfolio vulnerability to isolated shocks.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
After two years, to their amazement, electricity to the village had been restored.—
Scott Peterson,
The Christian Science Monitor,
28 Feb. 2025
-
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
Noun
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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
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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
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The Chiefs didn’t amaze us on an every-game basis, not really, anyway.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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In the months since the militant opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham stunned the world by bringing down the dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad in early December 2024, Syria has faced many pressing concerns.—
PATRICK VINCK,
Foreign Affairs,
4 Mar. 2025
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The clip ends with a shot of a couple on the ride appearing stunned by the experience.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Lilian, startled, looked around at the door, and that made the sisters laugh: Lilian, too, was tricked, just like the hedgehog.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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Homelessness and trauma can cause people to startle reflexively when touched, Greig says, part of the reason the site’s staff offers hugs to clients and encourages them to call family.—
Ian Willms,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to surprise
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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