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surprise

Definition for surprise

noun as in something amazing; state of amazement

Strongest matches

amazement, astonishment, awe, bewilderment, consternation, curiosity, disappointment, jolt, miracle, revelation, shock, wonder

Strong matches

abruptness, attack, bombshell, disillusion, epiphany, eureka, fortune, godsend, incredulity, kick, marvel, miscalculation, phenomenon, portent, precipitance, precipitation, precipitousness, prodigy, rarity, start, stupefaction, suddenness, thunderbolt, whammy, wonderment

Weak matches

astoundment, curveball, eye-opener, unexpected, unforeseen

verb as in astonish; cause amazement

Strongest matches

amaze, astound, awe, bewilder, confound, confuse, dazzle, disconcert, dismay, dumbfound, flabbergast, overwhelm, perplex, rattle, shock, startle, stun, unsettle

Strong matches

consternate, daze, discomfit, electrify, floor, jar, jolt, nonplus, petrify, rock, stagger, stupefy

Weak matches

blow away, bowl over, cause wonder, leave aghast, leave open-mouthed, shake up, spring something on, strike dumb, strike with awe, take aback, take one's breath away, throw a curve

verb as in sneak up on; catch

Strongest match

Strong matches

ambush, bushwhack, capture, discover, grab, grasp, nab, seize, take, waylay

Weak matches

burst in on, catch in the act, catch off-balance, catch off-guard, catch red-handed, catch unawares, come down on, drop in on, lay for, lie in wait, spring on, take by surprise

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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.

Public records show little political profile, and relatives told reporters they were surprised by his claimed involvement.

From Salon

A little more than a year ago Keegan Bradley admitted he was as surprised as anyone when he was asked to lead the side in the wake of Tiger Woods turning down the captaincy.

From BBC

That came as a surprise, although it is nowhere close to calling for "wholesale change" as the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has done.

From BBC

When asked about a recent survey that found 78% of women had faced discrimination while working in football, Bompastor said she was "not surprised".

From BBC

The ruling shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

From Salon

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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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