surprised

1 of 2

adjective

sur·​prised sər-ˈprīzd How to pronounce surprised (audio)
sə-
Synonyms of surprisednext
: feeling or showing surprise because of something unexpected
was very surprised to see her there
was too surprised to speak
a surprised expression

surprised

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of surprise entry 2

Examples of surprised in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
However, the largest drop in June occurred among prime-age workers, leaving several economists puzzled and surprised. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Both Funt and Gouker were surprised that the first major-league teams to agree to partnerships with prediction markets were in New York, given that sports betting is already legal in the state. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The older mathematician may have been surprised to find his name attached to this new mathematical structure. — Quanta Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 Though the character is based on the author, the rest of this smart thriller’s story is fictionalized, a playful metatake that serves as both an ode to Highsmith’s brilliance and a twisty ride that’s sure to leave audiences surprised. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surprised

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surprised was in 1882

Rhymes for surprised

See All Rhymes for surprised

Browse Nearby Words

Surprise
surprised
surprisedly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surprised.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surprised. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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