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.

Actions by the world’s biggest oil producer—the U.S.—and its biggest importer—China—help explain this unexpected resilience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

But one of the earliest signs may be something unexpected: a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that no one else can hear.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

"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

In a statement, the university said it could not discuss individual cases but it had "established processes" in place for students who experienced "unexpected health issues or difficult personal circumstances".

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

But as I double-checked the engineer’s math, I saw something unexpected.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

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

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!