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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of surprise
Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Each day delivers a tiny surprise and a chance to discover your next full-sized, must-have, making your countdown as exciting as the big day itself.
—Katie Ann Lehman, StyleCaster, 18 Sep. 2025
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Then, out of nowhere, Bella surprised the OP (original poster) with a large tattoo in memory of his brother.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Noun
Because of the preparation, surprises are rare.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Each day delivers a tiny surprise and a chance to discover your next full-sized, must-have, making your countdown as exciting as the big day itself.
—Katie Ann Lehman, StyleCaster, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
The most entertaining Patriots game in years was equal parts slop and surprise.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Then, out of nowhere, Bella surprised the OP (original poster) with a large tattoo in memory of his brother.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
Noun
-
Last year’s shock results included Aston Villa beating Bayern Munich 1-0 at home in the league phase, as Unai Emery led them to the quarter-finals.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Sneakily announced right before the Emmy Awards started on Sunday night, the news came as a shock considering Stokes had just posted an Instagram photo dump celebrating Ballerini’s birthday two days prior on September 12.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In the beginning, our life together held a joy and amazement which was newborn every day.—
Garth Greenwell,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Max and his family watch in dazed amazement at telecasts at the bunker show the world destroyed by nuclear war.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The ambush unleashed a brutal firefight that ended in Ruth's death.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Molly Wells is reeling from the heartbreak of a billionaire ambush and public declaration of love gone awry in Entertainment Weekly’s exclusive first look at season 3 of Loot.—
Jessica Wang,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Andrew Harnik | Getty Images Shares of Oracle surged 36% in yesterday’s session after the company’s cloud growth estimates amazed Wall Street.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
11 Sep. 2025
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What amazes me is how the same film sparks such different conversations, depending on the room.—
Eitan Weiss,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In a new warning, a senior Iranian army official said Tehran was ready to broaden its military reach beyond conventional strikes if attacked.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Taylor fills the bootstraps of Perfidia Beverly Hills, a formidable leader armed with a rifle fighting for the cause, her main prerogative is to overtake the institutions that imprison and attack vulnerable groups.—
Essence,
Essence,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Numerous Hollywood publicists, producers, media executives who spoke with CNN on Wednesday evening expressed their astonishment over the suspension.—
Elizabeth Wagmeister,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Rapace’s response externalizes four different beats, from a snort to a tear, astonishment to anger.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Aces Silenced by the Late Storm Push In the second game of the evening, the Las Vegas Aces were stunned by the Storm’s fourth quarter offense and lost, 86-83.—
Allison Smith,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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While many were stunned that an object like that would have been painted over at all.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Seagulls lift off the beach, startled by the sudden salty cacophony.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
While some dogs are more confident, others may become easily startled by noises, objects, or movements that appear harmless to humans.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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