by surprise

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.

And so when she hears it again, it takes her by surprise.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

These events are a reminder of how we are completely taken by surprise, and how such short spaces of time show the limits of traditional warning systems.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

And he vowed to "fight relentlessly" with further strikes that would catch Moscow by surprise.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

Its emergence as an intermediary in the Iran war caught many by surprise.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Lee was used to it and found his balance at once, but the force took Grumman by surprise.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman