Synonyms for surprise
| Grammar : Noun, verb |
| Spell : ser-prahyz, suh- |
| Phonetic Transcription : sərˈpraɪz, sə- |
Top 10 synonyms for surprise Other synonyms for the word surprise
- abruptness
- ambush
- astoundment
- attack
- blow away
- bombshell
- bowl over
- burst in on
- bushwhack
- capture
- catch in the act
- catch off-balance
- catch off-guard
- catch red-handed
- catch unawares
- cause wonder
- come down on
- consternate
- curiosity
- curveball
- daze
- dazzle
- disappointment
- discomfit
- disconcert
- discover
- disillusion
- dismay
- drop in on
- dumbfound
- electrify
- epiphany
- eureka
- eye-opener
- flabbergast
- floor
- fortune
- godsend
- grab
- grasp
- incredulity
- jar
- jolt
- kick
- lay for
- leave aghast
- leave open-mouthed
- lie in wait
- marvel
- miracle
- miscalculation
- nab
- nonplus
- overwhelm
- perplex
- petrify
- phenomenon
- portent
- precipitance
- precipitation
- precipitousness
- prodigy
- rarity
- rattle
- revelation
- rock
- seize
- shake up
- shock
- spring on
- spring something on
- stagger
- start
- startle
- strike dumb
- strike with awe
- stun
- stupefaction
- stupefy
- suddenness
- take
- take aback
- take by surprise
- take one's breath away
- throw a curve
- thunderbolt
- unexpected
- unforeseen
- unsettle
- waylay
- whammy
- wonder
- wonderment
Définition of surprise
Origin :- late 14c., "unexpected attack or capture," from Middle French surprise "a taking unawares," from noun use of past participle of Old French surprendre "to overtake," from sur- "over" (see sur-) + prendre "to take," from Latin prendere, contracted from prehendere "to grasp, seize" (see prehensile). Meaning "something unexpected" first recorded 1590s, that of "feeling caused by something unexpected" is c.1600. Meaning "fancy dish" is attested from 1708.
- A Surprize is ... a dish ... which promising little from its first appearance, when open abounds with all sorts of variety. [W. King, "Cookery," 1708]
- Surprise party originally was a military detachment (1841); festive sense is attested from 1858.
- noun something amazing; state of amazement
- verb astonish; cause amazement
- verb sneak up on; catch
- "Certainly, Robert," was the reply, but the lawyer's manner showed some surprise.
- Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
- Halbert's first emotion was surprise, his second was gratification.
- Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
- My reason for concealment was, that I might surprise you at the end of this voyage.
- Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
- The lawyer listened with surprise to the story Robert had to tell.
- Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
- But to his surprise he found that Mrs. Rushton was inclined to regard it favorably.
- Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
- He left her studying the card with a curious little flash of surprise.
- Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
- He left me at that time, and to my surprise did not return to the ship.
- Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
- They stopped short in surprise at the sight of Robert and Bates.
- Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
- There was one difference, however, between the surprise felt by the two.
- Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
- I have a letter from Elfreda which I've been keeping as a surprise.
- Extract from : « Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton Campus » by Jessie Graham Flower
Antonyms for surprise
Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019