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Definitions

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

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

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The recent telecommunications momentum shouldn’t be too surprising, MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett noted recently.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

They came off with surprising ease, showering the space around him.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.