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.

The audience should be taken by surprise and realize, in the middle of their laughter, just how truly clever the joke is, causing them to laugh even harder.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

“It would certainly catch me by surprise and feel a little reckless. And I think I’d probably be the last person people would be worried about,” Cooke said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Mullin declined to apologize to Paul for his past comments and, referring to the assault by his neighbor, said "I don't think anybody should be hit by surprise."

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

The film's virality has taken the world by surprise - and its creators too.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

The Germans were caught by surprise as 200,000 American troops, backed by 48,000 French, attacked in drizzling rain and mist along a twelve-mile front.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman