from left field

ADJECTIVE

surprising

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

STRONG

chance electrifying

WEAK

accidental fortuitous impulsive out of the blue unpredicted without warning

Antonyms

STRONGEST

expected normal ordinary predictable usual

ADJECTIVE

unexpected

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abrupt accidental amazing astonishing fortuitous startling stunning sudden swift unanticipated unforeseen unpredictable wonderful

WEAK

chance electrifying eye-opening impetuous impulsive instantaneous not bargained for not in the cards out of the blue payback prodigious staggering unheralded unlooked-for unpredicted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deliberate designed expected intentional planned predictable slow

ADJECTIVE

unforeseeable

Synonyms

WEAK

capricious chance chancy changeable fluky incalculable random uncertain unexpected unknowable

ADJECTIVE

unforeseen

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abrupt startling sudden unanticipated unexpected

WEAK

accidental not bargained for out of the blue surprise uncalculated unlooked-for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

expected

WEAK

foreseen predictable predicted

ADJECTIVE

unpredictable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

erratic fickle uncertain unreliable unstable

WEAK

capricious chance chancy dicey doubtful fluctuating fluky hanging by a thread iffy incalculable inconstant random touch and go touchy unforeseeable up for grabs variable whimsical

Antonyms

STRONGEST

certain definite reliable stable steady sure unchanging

WEAK

constant predictable unvarying

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.

Bradley's appointment as captain came from left field.

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2025

The museum also needed an unexpected showstopper — a large exhibition from left field that would startle and engage.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2023

After Murphy scored on France’s hit, Josh Smith’s throw from left field ricocheted off France’s stagnant bat on the second hop a few feet away from the plate as Sam Haggerty scored.

From Washington Times • May 10, 2023

Jarred Kelenic shifted over from left field, and AJ Pollock went to left field, replacing Rodriguez in the batting order.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2023

Brayden races over from left field and pats me on the back with his glove.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner

from left field

Example Sentences

Related Words