Surprise synonyms are words or phrases that share a similar meaning with the word “surprise.” When we talk about surprise, we’re describing a feeling when something unexpected happens or when we are caught off guard. These synonyms help us express this emotion in different ways. For instance, “amazement” reflects a positive form of surprise, while “astonishment” emphasizes a more intense reaction. “Startle” suggests a sudden shock, and “dismay” conveys a sense of disappointment. These synonyms add richness to our language, allowing us to precisely convey the diverse shades of surprise and the various ways we experience unexpected moments in our lives.
Surprise synonyms
| astonishment | amazement | startle |
| shock | bewilderment | stun |
| stupefaction | dismay | consternation |
| jolt | awe | wonder |
| disbelief | stupor | confoundment |
| stagger | flabbergast | appall |
| thunderstruck | unanticipated event | caught off guard |
| taken aback | out of the blue | knocked for a loop |
| blind-sided | left speechless | bowled over |
| thrown for a loop | hit like a thunderbolt | caught unawares |
| jaw-dropping moment | stunned silence | jaws on the floor |
| unexpected turn of events | a bolt from the blue | startled out of one’s wits |
| stopped in one’s tracks | floored by surprise | struck dumb |
| nonplussed | thunderbolt | bombshell |
| revelation | source of amazement | rude awakening |
| eye-opener | start | turn up for the books |
| shocker | whammy | incredulity |
| confusion | curiosity | disappointment |
| miracle | abruptness | attack |
| disillusion | epiphany | eureka |
| fortune | godsend | kick |
| marvel | miscalculation | phenomenon |
| portent | precipitance | precipitation |
| precipitousness | prodigy | rarity |
| suddenness | wonderment | amaze |
| astound | bewilder | confound |
| confuse | dazzle | disconcert |
| dumbfound | overwhelm | perplex |
| rattle | unsettle | consternate |
| daze | discomfit | electrify |
| floor | jar | nonplus |
| petrify | rock | stupefy |
| ambush | bushwhack | capture |
| discover | grab | grasp |
| nab | seize | take |
| waylay | 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 | astoundment | curveball |
| unexpected | unforeseen | 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 |
Surprise Antonyms
| expect | anticipate | foresee |
| predict | plan | prepare |
| forewarn | warned | informed |
| unveil | uncover | reveal |
| unmask | apprise | aware |
| foreknow | presume | foretell |
| presage | saw it coming | expected outcome |
| predictable turn of events | not caught off guard | business as usual |
| routine occurrence | foreseen development | anticipated scenario |
| no shocker there | according to plan | no bombshell |
| part of the script | no curveball | forewarned and forearmed |
| no eye-opener | as anticipated | commonplace occurrence |
| no jaw-dropper | not blindsided | a predictable twist |
| calmness | composure | coolness |
| expectation | happiness | indifference |
| bore | calm | clarify |
| clear up | comfort | compose |
| enlighten | explain | order |
| soothe | free | give |
| let go | liberate | lose |
| misunderstand | offer | release |
Examples of surprise in sentences
1. The birthday cake was a delightful surprise for her.
2. Opening the gift, she couldn’t hide her surprise at the thoughtful present.
3. His unexpected visit was a pleasant surprise that brightened her day.
4. The sudden announcement caught everyone by surprise.
5. The twist in the story was a complete surprise to the readers.
6. The magician’s trick never failed to evoke gasps of surprise from the audience.
7. The surprise party was kept so well that even the birthday person had no idea.
8. I wanted to surprise my parents with breakfast in bed.
9. Imagine my surprise when I found a hidden note in my book.
10. The news of their engagement was met with tears of joy and surprise.
11. As she walked into the room, the dazzling decorations filled her with awe and surprise.
12. The unexpected bonus in my paycheck was a welcome surprise.
13. His witty remark at the meeting added an element of surprise and humor.
14. The sudden rain shower was a surprise, but it brought relief on a hot day.
15. Opening the door, he was met with a surprise visitor he hadn’t seen in years.
More examples:
The biggest surprise? It wasn’t just a bunch of previously seen footage rearranged. While we’d seen plenty of it before, there’s tons of new footage within. [TechChrunch]
Given that Marshmallow isn’t even on 3 percent of devices yet, it’s a bit of a surprise that Google seems to be in a bit of a rush to get Android N out. [TechChrunch]
‘Gobsmacked’ – a truly British expression meaning to be shocked and surprised beyond belief. [LifeHack]
Related words to surprise
1. Amazement: Amazement is a feeling of great surprise or wonder. It is related to surprise in that both emotions involve a sense of unexpectedness, but amazement often carries a positive connotation.
- Example: The grandeur of the fireworks display filled the crowd with amazement.
2. Astonishment: Astonishment is a state of being greatly surprised or shocked, often to the point of being temporarily unable to react. It shares a similarity with surprise but emphasizes a more intense reaction.
- Example: The magician’s disappearing act left the audience in sheer astonishment.
3. Startle: Startle refers to a sudden shock or surprise, usually resulting in a quick physical or emotional reaction. It is often associated with something sudden and unexpected.
- Example: The loud crash of thunder outside made her startle in her seat.
4. Shocked: Shocked is a state of being profoundly surprised or horrified, often due to something unexpected and unsettling.
- Example: She was shocked to find out that her favorite store was closing down.
5. Dismay: Dismay is a feeling of distress and disappointment caused by an unexpected event. It conveys a sense of sadness or apprehension in response to surprise.
- Example: The sudden cancellation of the event filled everyone with dismay.
6. Wonder: Wonder is a feeling of admiration and amazement caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar. While surprise involves the unexpected, wonder focuses on the positive aspects.
- Example: The majestic landscape left them in a state of wonder.
7. Perplexity: Perplexity refers to a state of confusion or bewilderment, often resulting from something unexpected or difficult to understand.
- Example: The complex puzzle left him in a state of perplexity.
8. Stun: Stun is to cause someone to feel shocked or dazed, typically with a sudden impact. It implies a momentary state of being overwhelmed by surprise.
- Example: The news of the victory stunned the team, as they were the underdogs in the competition.
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