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.

One of the more unexpected findings was that ABT-263 briefly increased inflammation in the skin.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

Succinctly describe a time, place and activity that affected you: a rite of passage, a pivotal career move, a tragedy or unexpected turn of events.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

The show's executive producer Sarah James said the new combination was "unexpected, but their magic was undeniable the moment they came together".

From BBC • May 19, 2026

The unexpected return to a contraction was largely caused by the continued slump in China’s property sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

I was so exhilarated by the realization that I did the most unexpected thing in the world.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Vocabulary lists containing unexpected

This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for April 22–April 28, 2023

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Week 5: Scientific Viewpoints

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Strange

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