by surprise
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
China had caught Western governments by surprise with its security pact with the Solomon Islands in 2022, after earlier persuading the Solomons to drop diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish official relations with Beijing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 9, 2026
But, having said he was going to remain in his post just a few days ago, his resignation appears to have taken many by surprise.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
But the record-breaking tides this week took even Sharp by surprise.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 27, 2026
An alert system might have given tour companies and people in the area the information they needed to make more informed choices and avoid being caught by surprise.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026
Taken by surprise, he lost his balance and fell, remembered the trip wire, and tried to twist his body to avoid it.
From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz
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