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.

"But discovering a necropolis of this scale was completely unexpected: the size of distribution, the depth and the age range were far beyond anything we had imagined," Xiaotong Peng said.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Patrolling King's Cross and the surrounding streets, homeless outreach workers Eabha and Elise say they find women in unexpected places.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

She was surprised to find that working in her garden helped her connect with her neighbors in unexpected ways.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Each is taxed differently, and a misstep can mean an unexpected tax bill, said Bruce Brumberg, co-founder of mystockoptions.com.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Everywhere I look connections are being made, some of them planned for and some of them unexpected.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Vocabulary lists containing unexpected

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Week 5: Scientific Viewpoints

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Strange

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!