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.

Bilton was named to replace Tanya Simon on Thursday, an unexpected move that also came with the firings of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

He did it in the most unexpected way: by delivering a thoughtful and sensible speech on the future of American defense policy in Asia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

If manager Mikel Arteta needs reminding of how a club's rise can quickly be offset by an unexpected nosedive, he need only look at the difficulties Liverpool faced last season.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

New research suggests the answer may lie in an unexpected place: the liver.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

In October 1917, near the little frontier town of Caporetto, the Austrians with their German allies achieved an unexpected breakthrough in what is called the Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

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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