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surprise

Definition for surprise

noun as in something amazing; state of amazement

Strongest matches

amazement, astonishment, awe, bewilderment, consternation, curiosity, disappointment, jolt, miracle, revelation, shock, wonder

Strong matches

abruptness, attack, bombshell, disillusion, epiphany, eureka, fortune, godsend, incredulity, kick, marvel, miscalculation, phenomenon, portent, precipitance, precipitation, precipitousness, prodigy, rarity, start, stupefaction, suddenness, thunderbolt, whammy, wonderment

Weak matches

astoundment, curveball, eye-opener, unexpected, unforeseen

verb as in astonish; cause amazement

Strongest matches

amaze, astound, awe, bewilder, confound, confuse, dazzle, disconcert, dismay, dumbfound, flabbergast, overwhelm, perplex, rattle, shock, startle, stun, unsettle

Strong matches

consternate, daze, discomfit, electrify, floor, jar, jolt, nonplus, petrify, rock, stagger, stupefy

Weak matches

blow away, bowl over, cause wonder, leave aghast, leave open-mouthed, shake up, spring something on, strike dumb, strike with awe, take aback, take one's breath away, throw a curve

verb as in sneak up on; catch

Strongest match

Strong matches

ambush, bushwhack, capture, discover, grab, grasp, nab, seize, take, waylay

Weak matches

burst in on, catch in the act, catch off-balance, catch off-guard, catch red-handed, catch unawares, come down on, drop in on, lay for, lie in wait, spring on, take by surprise

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Given Root's orthodox technique and proven ability to bat for long periods, it is surprising the Yorkshireman has such a glaring hole on his CV.

Read more on Barron's

“I can’t say this is a surprise to me,” a retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detective said in a 2021 news story repeating the murder capital claim.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"I would not be the least bit surprised if another shutdown happened."

Read more on BBC

Liu, who claimed her surprise world title in March after taking a two-year break from the sport, is seeking a first grand prix title.

Read more on Barron's

You might be surprised at what kind of plans you all come up with.

Read more on MarketWatch

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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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