Thesaurus results for SURPRIZE

Q: How does the verb 'surprise' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surprise are amaze , astonish , astound , and flabbergast . While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel. // surprised to find them at home

Q: Where would 'amaze' be a reasonable alternative to 'surprise'?

The meanings of amaze and surprise largely overlap; however, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment. // amazed by the immense size of the place

Q: When is it sensible to use 'astonish' instead of 'surprise'?

While the synonyms astonish and surprise are close in meaning, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible. // a discovery that astonished the world

Q: When is 'astound' a more appropriate choice than 'surprise'?

The words astound and surprise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, astound stresses the shock of astonishment. // too astounded to respond

Q: When might 'flabbergast' be a better fit than 'surprise'?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and surprise are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay. // flabbergasted by his angry refusal

surprise 1 of 2

noun

sər-ˈprīz

variants also surprize

Definition of surprise next

as in shock

something that makes a strong impression because it is so unexpected the anniversary party was such a complete surprise that the couple was speechless for a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in amazement

the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual stared in utter surprise at the deer in his cabin

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in ambush

a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait waited under cover of darkness and took the enemy encampment by surprise at dawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

surprise

2 of 2

verb

variants also surprize

as in to amaze

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected I was very surprised when my parents offered to pay the down payment on our house

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to ambush

to lie in wait for and attack by surprise FBI agents surprised the counterfeiters in their own base of operations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb surprise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of surprise are amaze, astonish, astound, and flabbergast. While all these words mean "to impress forcibly through unexpectedness," surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel.

surprised to find them at home

Where would amaze be a reasonable alternative to surprise?

The meanings of amaze and surprise largely overlap; however, amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment.

amazed by the immense size of the place

When is it sensible to use astonish instead of surprise?

While the synonyms astonish and surprise are close in meaning, astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible.

a discovery that astonished the world

When is astound a more appropriate choice than surprise?

The words astound and surprise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, astound stresses the shock of astonishment.

too astounded to respond

When might flabbergast be a better fit than surprise?

In some situations, the words flabbergast and surprise are roughly equivalent. However, flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay.

flabbergasted by his angry refusal

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of surprise

Noun

One Wheel of Fortune contestant got a very special surprise on the show this week. —

Becca Longmire, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025 But the steep consequences of the blazes are not a surprise, according to an NBC News review of after-action reports following previous fires, wildfire risk maps, public meetings about wildfire risk and interviews with fire experts. —

Evan Bush, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025

Verb

None have surprised more than Howden, who has already shattered his previous career high of nine goals in a season by scoring 15 in the first half of 2024-25. —

Scott Powers, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 Hurwitz was surprised by the lack of fire response. —

Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for surprise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprise

Noun

But none of this was a shock given the provenance, quality, and looks of this Bugatti.

Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025
In one of the biggest shocks in UFC history, Holm dominated Rousey in the opening round of their bout at the Etihad Stadium, then spectacularly knocked her out with a head kick early in the second round to capture the title and become a two-sport world champion.

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025