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.

Bilton was named to the post last week, an announcement that caught many in the media industry by surprise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

Volunteer driver Pete Hammond was wrongly sent fines totalling around £800 for his trips for the food bank, which took him by surprise as his new car was the same model as his previous one.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

And so when she hears it again, it takes her by surprise.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

These events are a reminder of how we are completely taken by surprise, and how such short spaces of time show the limits of traditional warning systems.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

Reading her secrets and polite small cruelties of her heart, I believe she enjoyed taking the dumb grass by surprise, in her poem.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver