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Showing results for by surprise.
Definitions

by surprise

ADVERB
short
Synonyms
STRONG
suddenly unawares
WEAK
aback forthwith sudden unanticipatedly unaware unexpectedly without delay without hesitation without warning
ADVERB
unawares
Synonyms
STRONG
short
WEAK
aback abruptly accidentally by accident by mistake carelessly ignorantly inadvertently mistakenly off guard sudden surprisingly unconsciously unexpectedly unintentionally unknowingly unprepared unready unwittingly
Antonyms
WEAK
consciously knowingly

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

Since then tourists have started flocking to the island, taking locals by surprise.

From BBC • May 30, 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

So with my head bent and my mind focused on my stitches, her query took me by surprise.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

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