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.

Some of them squawked about the slush fund in ways that took me by surprise.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

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

“You used that bonkers machete spell! The plan was to catch it by surprise, and instead you alerted everyone we were here!”

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega