Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

Maybe the furnace needs replacing, a medical bill arrives out of the blue, or an education expense catches you by surprise.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

The collapse of Florida’s citrus industry, he told me, took everyone by surprise.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Panella got wind of “The End of Oak Street” from a post highlighting Hathaway’s slate of upcoming films, only to be caught by surprise.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

“It would certainly catch me by surprise and feel a little reckless. And I think I’d probably be the last person people would be worried about,” Cooke said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Our arrival catches both of us by surprise.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed