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
Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
But his quick start has been a welcome surprise for evaluators.
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
But be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by the ice cream.
—Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
Every attendee experienced the same speakers, surprises and activations from Richard Branson’s champagne toast on a cruise ship to surprise appearances by creators like Casey Neistat and Steven Bartlett.
—Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
But his quick start has been a welcome surprise for evaluators.
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Daniel Lindblade has been in the city for 18 years and isn’t surprised by the selection.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
But be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by the ice cream.
—Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
-
Sticker shock, though, is expected to hit when consumers shop for 2026 model year cars and trucks as more of those vehicles arrive at dealer lots, according to Cox Automotive.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Despite the shock loss, Milei has vowed no changes to his divisive agenda, which has reshaped Argentina’s economy, slashing inflation while boosting growth.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In the clip filmed by tour guide Captain John Shields, a white bottle nose dolphin is seen swimming up to the surface with its fin poking in and out of the water repeatedly as tourists watch on in amazement from their boat.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
It was named after the Piedmontese exclamation of amazement at seeing something beautiful.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
State investigators allege that Pusser staged an August 12, 1967, pre-dawn ambush that killed his wife, Pauline.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
-
After her attempts to fight the dog off failed, Pasamanick decided to bite the pitbull’s neck, resulting in the dog eventually stopping the ambush.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
What amazes me is how the same film sparks such different conversations, depending on the room.—
Eitan Weiss,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The 90-yard dash along the right sideline one play after Ruvalcaba’s interception amazed his teammates.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Charlie was the best of America, and the monster who attacked him was attacking our whole country.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Estonian police said the drone was likely en route to attack targets inside Russia.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Dershowitz during the impeachment trial offered an expansive defense of presidential power that provoked astonishment among Democrats.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Despite its tattered state, the sofa's unique silhouette and designer pedigree drew astonishment on Reddit.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
More than anything, when the show finally ends, its finale will stun most viewers into silence.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
-
In 1936, an underdog American rowing team stunned the world by winning the Olympic Gold.—
Jerry Cahn,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Then the Buckel brothers arrived, intent on doing the same, and Smith was startled.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Another Epstein accuser looked up, startled, to see where the deafening sound was coming from.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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