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 plan was kept secret for months and caught executives by surprise when it finally leaked out on Tuesday, sparking an immediate backlash.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
But a creeping loss of purchasing power coming from multiple directions can catch them by surprise.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026
Apple’s price hikes caught much of the industry by surprise given their size and scope.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
Marx has never held public office—like most fringe candidates, he touts his outsider status as an asset—and his entry into the race took many party activists by surprise.
From Slate ● Jun. 29, 2026
Stone’s engagement had caught Anthony by surprise, because the two women had discussed the issue and Stone had said that she planned never to marry.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
