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.

When the Chinese app DeepSeek burst onto the AI scene early last year, it seemed to catch a lot of people by surprise.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

After the brothers drove the price up, new supplies came flooding into the market, catching the Hunts by surprise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

She wanted to meet with the group’s leadership to explain her late-breaking decision to challenge Mayor Karen Bass, her longtime ally, which took just about everyone in the city by surprise.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 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

His question took her by surprise, for neither Lord Fredrick nor his wife had ever expressed any interest in the children’s education before.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood