surprise attack

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.

At the end of this past February, he launched a surprise attack in the middle of negotiations, which were going pretty well.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Only weeks after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the emperor’s soldiers swept south through Malaya, often riding on cheap pushbikes in an assault dubbed “the bicycle blitzkrieg.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

"Beryl was like a surprise attack, like an ambush," says Cornelius, in a deep baritone voice, over the market's chatter, reggae and thwack of cleavers on chopping boards.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2024

This would put most of its missiles out of range and make an Oct. 7-style surprise attack much less likely.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2024

They defended Belen from a surprise attack, saving the city from a foe that should have overwhelmed them.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss