What is another word for take by surprise?
Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪk ba͡ɪ səpɹˈa͡ɪz] (IPA) 
If you're trying to add some variety to your writing, sometimes simply using synonyms in place of a commonly used phrase can really freshen things up. The phrase "take by surprise" is a great example of a common phrase that could benefit from some synonyms. Some possible options include: catch off guard, startle, stun, amaze, astonish, shock, electrify, stupefy, bewilder, flabbergast, confound, astound, floor, knock for a loop, and blow away. All of these options can add new life to your writing by giving you more precise vocabulary to express the same idea.
