element of surprise
noun phrase
: the unexpected or surprising character of something
The attackers were relying on the element of surprise.
Examples of element of surprise in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These stories don’t require any element of surprise; the appeal of this kind of romance is built on anticipation, on our expectation that people who are destined to be together will in fact get together.
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Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
These West Elm designs have a textural element of surprise and the deep shade of maroon is still in the red family but not too in your face.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
Not bringing him up too soon, so the element of surprise can be leveraged.
—Eno Sarris, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
There can also be some element of surprise in what most galvanizes a crowd.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for element of surprise
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Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
These West Elm designs have a textural element of surprise and the deep shade of maroon is still in the red family but not too in your face.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
Not bringing him up too soon, so the element of surprise can be leveraged.
—Eno Sarris, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
There can also be some element of surprise in what most galvanizes a crowd.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for element of surprise
Cite this Entry
“Element of surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/element%20of%20surprise. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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