Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for caught off guard. Search instead for caught+offguard.

caught off guard

ADJECTIVE
unprepared
Synonyms
STRONGEST
unaware vulnerable
WEAK
ad-lib ill-considered impromptu improvised napping not prepared off the cuff off the top of one's head offhand played by ear spontaneous surprised taken off guard unexpected unplanned unready unrehearsed unschooled unskilled untrained winged

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.

Investors were caught off guard by the yield surge, which suggests that the market had become a little complacent about inflation despite hot consumer and wholesale price readings this week.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Years before that, the Lego Group was caught off guard by Polish artist Zbigniew Libera’s 1996 installation, “LEGO Concentration Camp.”

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

He said residents were "completely caught off guard" on Sunday morning as news of El Mencho's capture, and the following unrest, broke.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Though Díaz was caught off guard by Cohen’s comments, he said Saturday he had no bad feelings towards the Mets or their fans.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

Ekon was caught off guard by the pang of pity he felt for the girl.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "caught off guard" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com