easy
The party was a surprise for Dad.
What does Surprise mean?
something unexpected.
Dictionary definition
Something unexpected, or to cause someone to feel amazed because something was not expected.
Example sentences
Surprise in a sentence
medium
The ending of the story surprised the class.
hard
A surprise in a plot can change what readers think about earlier clues.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice surprise in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Surprise
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does surprise mean?
Surprise means something unexpected.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to surprise?
Unexpected event is close in meaning to surprise in this context.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for surprise?
Expectation contrasts with surprise in this context.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Surprise
Voice settings
Sounds like
ser · prize · strongest beat: prize
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSurprise.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningSurprise means something unexpected.
ExampleExample: The party was a surprise for Dad.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- ser · prize
- Strongest beat
- prize
- Ending
- prize
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on prize.
Your turn
Say Surprise
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Nice work—you practiced surprise.
Synonyms
Words like Surprise
shockUse for a stronger or more sudden surprise.
unexpected eventA clear phrase for something not expected.
astonishUse when surprise means to amaze someone.
Antonyms
Opposite words
expectationAn expectation is what someone thinks will happen.
routineA routine is something that happens in a usual way.
predictabilityPredictability means being easy to expect.
Synonym practice
Want to practice surprise synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The surprise made the class cheer," then compare close word choices. Practice surprise synonyms.
Word family
Surprise word family
Base word
surprise
noun
surprises
More than one unexpected event.
adjective
surprised
Feeling surprise.
adjective
surprising
Causing surprise.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Surprise
Hint for students
something unexpected.
Common mix-up
Surprise is not the same as expectation. Surprise means something unexpected.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The ending of the story surprised the class. Clue words: ending, story, surprised. Underline clue words that show why surprise fits instead of expectation. Now write one new sentence that shows surprise without using the word surprise. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show surprise?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The ending of the story surprised the class." Why does surprise fit better than expectation?
Learning activities
Practice Surprise and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice SURPRISE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice SURPRISE
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with SURPRISE
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
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Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
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Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice SURPRISE
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes SURPRISE.
Practice SURPRISE
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words