Definitions

unexpected

[uhn-ik-spek-tid] / ˌʌn ɪkˈspɛk tɪd /

ADJECTIVE

surprising

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

WEAK

chance electrifying eye-opening from left field 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

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.

Last fall, Eve received another unexpected phone call — this time from the Recording Academy.

From Los Angeles Times

The sphinx did something so unexpected that he flinched backward from her.

From Literature

This unexpected shift in diet could have wide-ranging effects on coastal ecosystems and on the wolves themselves.

From Science Daily

A decades-long study tracking people from young adulthood has uncovered an early and unexpected shift in heart disease risk.

From Science Daily

“There’s nothing unexpected about this year’s total, but that in itself is troubling.”

From Los Angeles Times