surprise

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C] an event, a piece of news, etc. that is unexpected or that happens suddenly: What a nice surprise! * a surprise attack / announcement / visit * There are few surprises in this year's budget. * I have a surprise for you! * It comes as no surprise to learn that they broke their promises. * Her letter came as a complete surprise. * There are lots of surprises in store for visitors to the gallery. * Visitors to the gallery are in for a few surprises. * Life's full of surprises. * She likes springing surprises on people. 2 [U,C] ~ (at sth)