Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for by surprise. Search instead 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.

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

From BBC • May 30, 2026

When I was 8, my parents took me by surprise.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 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

Books were spread out along the entire length, which took her by surprise.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "by surprise" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com