Synonyms for

Surprise

Verb / sɜ:ˈpraɪz / / sʌˈpraɪz / Another word for surprise — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to cause someone to feel amazed or astonished, especially by doing something unexpected

Synonyms & similar words

storm surprisal shock startle amaze astonish bewilder daze stun flabbergast astound dumbfound unsettle confound overwhelm floor surpass

Synonyms by register

Formal

astonishment bewilderment unexpectedness

Informal

shock jolt whatsit whatchamacallit

Literary

wonder amazement marvel

Antonyms

anticipation expectation foreknowledge certainty familiarity predictability

Common collocations

  • pleasant surprise
  • big surprise
  • complete surprise
  • surprise attack
  • surprise party
  • element of surprise
  • in surprise
  • to my surprise

Word family

noun surprise
verb surprise
adjective surprising
adverb surprisingly

Usage note

The word 'surprise' can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective. As a noun, it refers to the feeling caused by something unexpected. As a verb, it means to cause someone to feel this emotion.

Example sentences

  1. The magician's trick surprised the audience.
  2. I was surprised to see my favorite singer in the restaurant.
  3. My mom's birthday gift was a big surprise.
  4. The sudden rain surprised us during our picnic.
  5. The news of his promotion was a surprise to everyone.

Quotes

  • Expect the unexpected, and whenever possible, be the unexpected. - Lynda Barry
  • The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. - Alan Watts
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela

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