surprise

interjection

UK /sə(r)ˈpraɪz/

1
said when you do something unusual or unexpected
Synonyms and related words
Interjections of surprise and shock
ooh
wow
well

surprise

interjection

US /sərˈpraɪz/

1
said when you do something unusual or unexpected
Synonyms and related words
Interjections of surprise and shock
ooh
wow
well

surprise

noun

UK /sə(r)ˈpraɪz/

Word Forms

singular	surprise
plural	surprises

1
countable an unusual or unexpected event
There were few surprises at Wimbledon this year.
come as a surprise:
Holman’s arrest came as a surprise to the entire community.
come as no surprise:
Given the dismal sales performance, the change of management came as no surprise.
surprises in store (=unexpected things that will happen in the future):
Let’s hope there are no more unpleasant surprises in store for us.
be in for a surprise:
The players could be in for a surprise if they expect an easy victory.
Synonyms and related words
Surprises and shocking events
surprise
shock
blow
1. 1a
  news or information that seems unusual or unexpected
  I never knew Sheila had been married – that was a real surprise.
  Synonyms and related words
  Surprises and shocking events
  surprise
  shock
  blow
2. 1b
  only before nounhappening unexpectedly
  Henderson led the team to a surprise win in the final.
  They keep the room ready for surprise visitors.
  Synonyms and related words
  Making you feel surprised or amazed
  surprising
  amazing
  astonishing
2
uncountable the feeling you have when something unusual or unexpected happens
Many students expressed surprise at the news.
(much) to someone’s surprise:
Much to my surprise, the restaurant was actually very nice.
Synonyms and related words
Feelings of surprise and shock
surprise
shock
astonishment
3
countable a present that you are not expecting to receive
I got you a little surprise for your birthday.
Synonyms and related words
Presents and gifts
present
gift
valentine

phrases

surprise, surprise

take/catch someone by surprise

surprise

noun

US /sərˈpraɪz/

Word Forms

singular	surprise
plural	surprises

1
countable an unusual or unexpected event
There were few surprises in the basketball playoffs this year.
come as a surprise:
Holman’s arrest came as a surprise to the entire community.
come as no surprise:
Given the dismal sales performance, the change of management came as no surprise.
surprises in store (=unexpected things that will happen in the future):
Let’s hope there are no more unpleasant surprises in store for us.
be in for a surprise:
The Angels could be in for a surprise if they expect an easy victory.
Synonyms and related words
Surprises and shocking events
surprise
shock
blow
1. 1a
  news or information that seems unusual or unexpected
  I never knew Sheila had been married – that was a real surprise.
  Synonyms and related words
  Surprises and shocking events
  surprise
  shock
  blow
2. 1b
  only before nounhappening unexpectedly
  Henderson led the team to a surprise win in the final.
  They keep the room ready for surprise visitors.
  Synonyms and related words
  Making you feel surprised or amazed
  surprising
  amazing
  astonishing
2
countable a present that you are not expecting to receive
I got you a little surprise for your birthday.
Synonyms and related words
Presents and gifts
present
gift
valentine
3
uncountable the feeling you have when something unusual or unexpected happens
Many students expressed surprise at the news.
(much) to someone’s surprise:
Much to my surprise, the restaurant was actually very nice.
Synonyms and related words
Feelings of surprise and shock
surprise
shock
astonishment

phrases

surprise, surprise

take/catch someone by surprise

surprise

verb transitive

UK /sə(r)ˈpraɪz/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	surprise
he/she/it	surprises
present participle	surprising
past tense	surprised
past participle	surprised

1
to give someone a feeling of surprise
Her angry tone of voice surprised me.
Mike decided to surprise Angie with flowers.
It may surprise you to know that Frank used to be an athlete.
It wouldn’t surprise me if it snowed tonight.
surprise yourself:
She surprised herself by finishing the race in less than 45 minutes.
Synonyms and related words
To make someone feel shocked or surprised
surprise
shock
shake up
2
to attack or find someone when they do not expect it
The soldiers surprised the men before they had a chance to escape.
Synonyms and related words
To attack a person or object
attack
assault
set on
Synonyms and related words
To make someone feel shocked or surprised
surprise
shock
shake up
3
to discover someone doing something, especially something that they should not be doing
A teacher surprised the boys smoking cigarettes.
Synonyms and related words
To notice or recognize something or someone
notice
recognize
observe

surprise

verb transitive

US /sərˈpraɪz/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	surprise
he/she/it	surprises
present participle	surprising
past tense	surprised
past participle	surprised

1
to give someone a feeling of surprise
Her angry tone of voice surprised me.
Mike decided to surprise Angie with flowers.
It may surprise you to know that Frank used to be an athlete.
It wouldn’t surprise me if it snowed tonight.
surprise yourself:
She surprised herself by finishing the race in less than 45 minutes.
Synonyms and related words
To make someone feel shocked or surprised
surprise
shock
shake up
2
to attack or find someone when they do not expect it
The soldiers surprised the men before they had a chance to escape.
Synonyms and related words
To attack a person or object
attack
assault
strike at
Synonyms and related words
To make someone feel shocked or surprised
surprise
shock
shake up
3
to discover someone doing something, especially something that they should not be doing
A teacher surprised the boys smoking cigarettes.
Synonyms and related words
To notice or recognize something or someone
notice
recognize
observe

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