unexpectedly

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 as New York Times data analyst Nate Cohn pointed out in an unexpectedly positive analysis, while the polls in 2018 were close throughout the race, O’Rourke was never ahead.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

Canada’s economy unexpectedly shrank for a second consecutive quarter as activity stalled at the start of the year, raising the likelihood the country dipped into a recession.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

With just days left to campaign and polls putting him in an unexpectedly strong third place — maybe even second — Tom Steyer is down-not-out.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

"Our evidence suggests that electrons themselves, depending on their sensitivity to their nearby environment, are unexpectedly important for material changes."

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

This was an innocuous question but, unexpectedly, Bunny winced.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt