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.

"Pakistan's high mountains are still full of biological surprises," says Rafaqat Masroor of the Pakistan Museum of Natural History, one of the country's leading herpetologists.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

"We've got price instability and, ultimately, that drives demand because people want cheaper prices but, also, they want no surprises in their bills," he said.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Mr. Nayler develops these civilizational portrayals in a story skillfully sown with dramatic surprises.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

I have some surprises for people there as well, and I’m looking forward to showcasing lots of artists.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

It surprises me when I actually say them.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman