Definitions

surprising

[ser-prahy-zing, suh-] / sərˈpraɪ zɪŋ, sə- /

ADJECTIVE

unexpected

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amazing astonishing extraordinary remarkable shocking startling stunning sudden unanticipated unforeseen unpredictable wonderful

STRONG

chance electrifying

WEAK

accidental fortuitous from left field impulsive out of the blue unpredicted without warning

Antonyms

STRONGEST

expected normal ordinary predictable usual

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Appeared in the April 30, 2026, print edition as 'Short Squeeze on Avis Takes Surprising Turn'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Surprising as these results may be, Deluard said they make sense.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

Lieu’s recipe for Surprising Peanut Butter Cookies is a must-try for the holidays.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

Surprising as its source may be, there is undeniable beauty in the revived Santa Cruz.

From Slate • May 26, 2025

Surprising to me, too, was how well he knew Chicago.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama