surprise 1 of 2

noun

sər-ˈprīz How to pronounce surprise (audio)
variants also surprize
Definition of surprisenext
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 astonishment
the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual stared in utter surprise at the deer in his cabin

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in ambush
a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait waited under cover of darkness and took the enemy encampment by surprise at dawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

surprise

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb surprise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surprise are amaze, astonish, astound, and flabbergast. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

Where would amaze be a reasonable alternative to surprise?

The meanings of amaze and surprise largely overlap; however, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When is it sensible to use astonish instead of surprise?

While the synonyms astonish and surprise are close in meaning, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

When is astound a more appropriate choice than surprise?

The words astound and surprise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

When might flabbergast be a better fit than surprise?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and surprise are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of surprise
Noun
An emergeny fund provides a cushion if you're hit with a surprise expense or your usual source of income dries up. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 After John Mayer's performance at the Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons, this performer paid him a surprise visit at the afterparty. — Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Pluto continues to surprise scientists NASA's New Horizons spacecraft launched in January 2006, months before Pluto's reclassification, and became the first mission to fly past the distant world in 2015. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Governor Kathy Hochul surprised many in May by announcing her intention to sign New York State up for the One Big Beautiful Bill’s tax credit for Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). — Ray Domanico, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surprise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise
  1. shock
  2. astonishment
  3. ambush
  4. amaze
  5. attack
  6. jolt
  7. amazement
  8. stun
Noun
  • But there are key things that are going to put upward pressure on inflation, besides tariffs and the oil price shock and the commodities supply chain shock that is flowing through now.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Breman noted that price shocks stemming from the Middle East conflict have not fully dissipated.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • The Platts look on with astonishment when their idyllic 1970s neighborhood appears to be transported way back in time.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 30 July 2026
  • The revelation itself becomes part of the artwork, shifting the experience from astonishment to reflection and encouraging a more critical examination of the assumptions that shape everyday life.
    — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of astonishment
Noun
  • Schools for young Werewolves are said to be in operation, staffed by SS officers who are teaching the students the tactics of ambush mobility.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the opposition People’s Party, has led the charge against Sanchez’s government, criticizing him again on Thursday after the ambush of the military vehicle.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ambush
Verb
  • But of the many falsehoods told by them, there was one which quite amazed me.
    — Agnes Callard, The New York Review of Books, 18 Aug. 2026
  • His greatness is never in question, but to have the league at a standstill because of a 41-year-old free agent amazes me.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of amaze
Verb
  • In Iran, Afghans have been attacked by mobs and baselessly accused of collaborating with Israel; some legal residents have had police tear up their documents in front of them.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
  • On Saturday, an Ebola response team was attacked on the outskirts of the town of Mambasa in Ituri province while responding to a call to secure a body.
    — Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Many reported the worst jolts to the head coming near the end.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Nicki Minaj arrives with a playful verse that adds another jolt of personality before the song launches back into its dance-floor pulse.
    — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • Dos Santos stared toward the clock in amazement after finishing the 400-meter hurdles Thursday night at the Diamond League meet in Zurich.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Sitting in a swivel chair in a hotel conference room, Victor Peng stares out the window at the Chicago River with a look of amazement.
    — Tal Rosenberg, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of amazement
Verb
  • Innanen stuns as Paul Baker — full name all the time — a Canadian newcomer to the group who becomes integral to his friends’ emotional processing all while operating as the resident Gen-Z eye candy.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The final price tag stunned the industry and reflected a confluence of factors inside and outside San Diego.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of stun

Phrases Containing surprise

Browse Nearby Words

surpluses
surprise
surprised
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Cite this Entry

“Surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprise. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on surprise

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about surprise

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