by surprise

ADVERB

short

Synonyms

STRONG

suddenly unawares

WEAK

aback forthwith sudden unanticipatedly unaware unexpectedly without delay without hesitation without warning

ADVERB

unawares

Synonyms

STRONG

short

WEAK

aback abruptly accidentally by accident by mistake carelessly ignorantly inadvertently mistakenly off guard sudden surprisingly unconsciously unexpectedly unintentionally unknowingly unprepared unready unwittingly

Antonyms

WEAK

consciously knowingly

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.

Since then tourists have started flocking to the island, taking locals by surprise.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

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

I have lost track of where Xander is in the crowd, so I am taken by surprise when I see him walking toward me.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga

by surprise

Example Sentences

Related Words