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.

The most surprising result came when researchers reduced FTL1 in older mice.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Nicer weather and a big healthcare rebound powered a surprising March jobs report.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The labor market is still in good condition overall, mind you, if just because of the surprising paucity of layoffs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Employers added a surprising 178,000 jobs to payrolls last month and unemployment dipped back to 4.3%.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Instead, what happens is genuinely surprising: Theo neatly folds his hands in his own lap.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse