Surprise, Suprise or Surprize – Which Is Correct?

TL;DR – The correct spelling is “surprise.”

So, it’s:

• Surprise (correct)
• Suprise (incorrect)
• Surprize (incorrect in standard American and British English; however, note that “surprize” was an older spelling used in the past but is now considered archaic.)

The term “surprise” has its roots in Middle English, stemming from the Old French word “surprendre,” meaning to “overtake” or “seize.” In modern English, “surprise” denotes an unexpected event or the emotion resulting from something unforeseen. While the correct and widely accepted spelling today is “surprise,” older texts, like some works of Jane Austen, occasionally used “surprize” — an archaic alternative spelling. However, “suprise” is a misspelling and should be avoided.

In usage, “surprise” can be both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it may refer to a sudden event that astonishes or amazes, like a “surprise visit” or a “pleasant surprise” at a birthday party. As a verb, it embodies the act of causing someone to feel astonishment or wonder.

Synonyms of “surprise” include “amaze” and “astonish.” When writing, always ensure the correct spelling by consulting grammar rules, dictionaries like Wiktionary, or using a spell checker to avoid common misspellings. In modern standard American and British English, “surprise” is the preferred spelling.

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Published on: 2023-09-30
Updated on: 2023-10-09

Isaac Adams-Hands

Isaac Adams-Hands is the SEO Director at SEO North, a company that provides Search Engine Optimization services. As an SEO Professional, Isaac has considerable expertise in On-page SEO, Off-page SEO, and Technical SEO, which gives him a leg up against the competition.