surprise crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "surprise crossword clue", categorized by word length for your convenience. Get the quick help you need to conquer your puzzle!
Solutions for "surprise crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
WOW: An exclamation of amazement, often used to express a sudden surprise.
4 Letters
STUN: To shock or overwhelm someone with a sudden, unexpected event or revelation.
JOLT: A sudden, strong, and often unpleasant surprise or shock.
5 Letters
SHOCK: A sudden and disturbing impression or experience, often causing a physical reaction.
AMAZE: To fill someone with great surprise or wonder, often due to something unexpected.
7 Letters
ASTOUND: To shock or greatly surprise someone, often beyond their expectations.
STARTLE: To cause someone to feel a sudden shock or alarm, often leading to a small jump or gasp.
8 Letters
ASTONISH: To surprise or impress someone greatly, often leaving them speechless.
11 Letters
FLABBERGAST: To surprise greatly; to dumbfound or overwhelm with astonishment.
More About "surprise crossword clue"
The concept of "surprise" is a rich vein for crossword constructors, as it can refer to a wide range of emotions, events, or actions. Clues might hint at the feeling one experiences (e.g., 'awe', 'wonder'), the act of causing surprise (e.g., 'shock', 'startle'), or an unexpected occurrence itself (e.g., 'twist', 'revelation'). Recognizing whether the clue is seeking a verb, noun, or adjective is key to narrowing down potential answers.
Crossword setters often use synonyms and indirect wordplay to lead solvers to the answer for "surprise." For instance, a clue might involve a hidden word, a pun, or a charade that, when solved, delivers a 'surprise' in its own right. Understanding these nuances and thinking beyond the most obvious definitions will significantly boost your success rate with such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Length: Always start by counting the available boxes. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for words like "surprise."
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "surprise" being used as a noun (the event), a verb (to cause surprise), or an adjective (a surprise visit)? This can drastically change the possible answers.
- Look for Exclamations: If the clue implies a sound or reaction to surprise, short exclamations like "WOW" or "AHA" might be the answer.
- Check Cross-References: Don't forget to use intersecting words as hints. Letters revealed by other solved clues can make a seemingly difficult "surprise" answer obvious.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'surprise' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'surprise' in crosswords include 'shock', 'stun', 'amaze', 'astound', 'startle', and 'jolt'. The specific answer depends on the letter count and other intersecting clues.
How does context help in solving 'surprise' clues?
Context is crucial. 'Surprise' can refer to a noun (an unexpected event), a verb (to cause wonder), or an adjective (like in 'surprise attack'). Pay attention to surrounding words in the clue or the tense implied. For instance, 'Surprise party' points to a noun, while 'To surprise' indicates a verb.
Are there any common crossword tricks related to 'surprise'?
Yes, 'surprise' clues might sometimes hint at a word that means 'to catch off guard' or 'to reveal unexpectedly.' Watch out for clues that use '!' or '?' as these often indicate a playful or tricky definition related to surprise or a pun.