surprises

NOUN

something amazing; state of amazement

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

STRONG

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

astoundment curveball eye-opener unexpected unforeseen

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calmness composure coolness expectation happiness indifference

VERB

astonish; cause amazement

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

STRONG

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

WEAK

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

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bore calm clarify clear up comfort compose enlighten expect explain order soothe

VERB

sneak up on; catch

Synonyms

STRONGEST

startle

STRONG

ambush bushwhack capture discover grab grasp nab seize take waylay

WEAK

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

Antonyms

STRONG

free give let go liberate lose misunderstand offer release

WEAK

expect

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.

That’s a polite way of saying there were few major category surprises — and I realize many “Heated Rivalry” fans may find offensive.

From Salon • Jul. 9, 2026

Will there be any more surprises in the quarter-finals, which includes England against Norway and France versus Morocco?

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026

Ultimately, it’s an evening of discovery, packed with surprises like finding an entire course hidden under a canvas.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026

The Cardinals are one of MLB’s biggest surprises, unexpectedly surging into playoff contention after three consecutive disappointing campaigns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

The next morning, Sam surprises us and says, “C-come on. We’re g-going for a drive.”

From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle