element of surprise
noun phrase
: the unexpected or surprising character of something
The attackers were relying on the element of surprise.
Examples of element of surprise in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
By Maura Johnston June 10, 2024 4:26 PM EDT
The algorithmic world has, some might argue, dampened the element of surprise.
—
Maura Johnston, TIME, 10 June 2024
Utilizing the cheddar for a Caesar dressing only showcases Savannah’s element of surprise and her tenacity throughout this competition.
—Khadjiah Johnson, Vulture, 5 June 2024
This category is for he who will appreciate a wild card gift and savor the element of surprise.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2024
That element of surprise kept us on a natural high all week long — with credit due to the human and non-human animals in almost equal measure.
—Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2024
Another element of surprise could be celebrity sightings, which can help raise the visibility of campaigns and conventions.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024
In an interview, Cangelosi, the John Jay College lecturer, raised the question of why task force members attempted to serve the warrant during the afternoon on Monday rather than early in the morning, when there could have been an element of surprise.
—Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 3 May 2024
Don’t confide in others when using the element of surprise.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2024
After all, part of the charm is the element of surprise.
—Cathy Free, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024
Maura Johnston, TIME, 10 June 2024
Utilizing the cheddar for a Caesar dressing only showcases Savannah’s element of surprise and her tenacity throughout this competition.
—Khadjiah Johnson, Vulture, 5 June 2024
This category is for he who will appreciate a wild card gift and savor the element of surprise.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2024
That element of surprise kept us on a natural high all week long — with credit due to the human and non-human animals in almost equal measure.
—Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2024
Another element of surprise could be celebrity sightings, which can help raise the visibility of campaigns and conventions.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024
In an interview, Cangelosi, the John Jay College lecturer, raised the question of why task force members attempted to serve the warrant during the afternoon on Monday rather than early in the morning, when there could have been an element of surprise.
—Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 3 May 2024
Don’t confide in others when using the element of surprise.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2024
After all, part of the charm is the element of surprise.
—Cathy Free, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'element of surprise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near element of surprise
Cite this Entry
“Element of surprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/element%20of%20surprise. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share