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
Peg it to a major studio’s marketing wisdom that no campaign should ever repeat a trick, rather provide an element of surprise.
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Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 July 2025
Each four-pack includes three visible characters and one mystery figure, adding an element of surprise.
—Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
That is an evolution in itself since the wide-eyed wonder and element of surprise — tactically and emotionally — that came with winning the last Euros on home soil.
—Nancy Froston, New York Times, 30 June 2025
In addition to the aerial operation, a submarine also under CentCom command launched two dozen Tomahawk land cruise missiles against one of the Iranian nuclear sites, launched last to maintain an element of surprise, Caine said.
—Katelyn Ferral, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for element of surprise
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Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 July 2025
Each four-pack includes three visible characters and one mystery figure, adding an element of surprise.
—Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
That is an evolution in itself since the wide-eyed wonder and element of surprise — tactically and emotionally — that came with winning the last Euros on home soil.
—Nancy Froston, New York Times, 30 June 2025
In addition to the aerial operation, a submarine also under CentCom command launched two dozen Tomahawk land cruise missiles against one of the Iranian nuclear sites, launched last to maintain an element of surprise, Caine said.
—Katelyn Ferral, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 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 4 Aug. 2025.
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