surprise Definition
an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing.
Using surprise: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "surprise" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The party was a complete surprise.
Example
She opened the box with surprise.
Example
To my surprise, he showed up at my door.
Example
The surprise attack caught the enemy off guard.
surprise Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for surprise
- shock
- astonishment
- amazement
- bewilderment
- startlement
Antonyms for surprise
Idioms Using surprise
Example
He failed the exam again, no surprise there.
surprise, surprise
used to express sarcastic amazement at something that is not surprising
Example
He was late for the meeting, surprise, surprise.
Example
The high bill was a nasty surprise for the couple.
Phrases with surprise
Example
The sudden rain took us by surprise.
surprise, surprise
used to express sarcastic amazement at something that is not surprising
Example
He was late for the meeting, surprise, surprise.
Example
The new employee turned out to be a surprise package, bringing fresh ideas and skills to the team.
Origins of surprise
from Old French 'surprendre', meaning 'to overtake'
Summary: surprise in Brief
The term 'surprise' [səˈpraɪz] refers to an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from pleasant surprises like 'The party was a complete surprise,' to negative ones like 'The surprise attack caught the enemy off guard.' The phrase 'take by surprise' means to catch someone off guard, while 'surprise, surprise' is used sarcastically to express a lack of surprise.
