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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.

Cardi B even stayed overtime to do a surprise signing of an exclusive alternate cover of her album.

From Los Angeles Times

They were surprised when the artist appeared on the high crane platform on Thursday to paint the work, despite being challenged by the building manager and council workers.

From BBC

Parliament's backing of the amendment came as a surprise to observers, with even the prime minister conceding as late as Thursday it might not pass.

From BBC

And to think Allen would have been OK calling it a career had the Chargers not reached out to him in August after the surprise retirement of Mike Williams.

From Los Angeles Times

I wouldn't be surprised if we were relegated, that's how shocking we are.

From BBC

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

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