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.

When Kavanaugh was nominated to the Supreme Court, one unexpected group of people issued a public statement in support: parents who shared a school with Kavanaugh’s daughters.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2026

Ford recalled up to 1.39 million F-150 pickups in April over the risk of unexpected downshifting that can lead to a loss of vehicle control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

“Honestly, no place is unexpected anymore,” Eala said with a laugh, noting she was once approached by a family of fans seeking photographs while swimming off the Philippine resort island of Boracay.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

The announcement came after President Lee said that he felt "not just confusion but utter bewilderment at the unexpected outcome".

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

Testing my hypothesis that music could change one’s mood hadn’t even made round one before screeching to an unexpected demise.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

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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