1
as in startling
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the surprising news that they were going to have a baby had them rushing to buy nursery furniture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in astonishing
causing wonder or astonishment
it's surprising how much knowledge of physics the architects of those immense medieval cathedrals must have had
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also surprizing
1
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
I was very surprised when my parents offered to pay the down payment on our house
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in ambushing
to lie in wait for and attack by surprise
FBI agents surprised the counterfeiters in their own base of operations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of surprising
David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Early conference leaders in Lake County include two familiar names as well as a surprising one.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Coastal Mississippi is constantly surprising us, but one of its most delightful surprises is the fact that some of its beaches have white sand that rivals even Florida’s top spots.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
This is rather surprising because Abbott is a solid pitcher.
—David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Early conference leaders in Lake County include two familiar names as well as a surprising one.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Since Vic and Christine didn’t get an international getaway, TurboTax is surprising them with a honeymoon (and handling their first joint tax return while they’re gone, of course).
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Coastal Mississippi is constantly surprising us, but one of its most delightful surprises is the fact that some of its beaches have white sand that rivals even Florida’s top spots.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
Floyd’s sincerity, the startling extremity of his concern for the comfort of others, snaps Clark out of his depressed, and depressing, complacency.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The five-acre private villa estate offers nine startling low-slung beach villas which sit harmoniously in a coconut grove on an undeveloped stretch of volcanic beach on the northern shores.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Head there for a quieter gape at the astonishing mortar-free construction.—
Helen Brown,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Overall, this is astonishing work.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Israel’s offensive, which lasted just over a month, was largely seen as a success for Hezbollah, with the militant group holding off Israeli advances and ambushing troops in the south of the country.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Grass lines in 8 to 15 feet of water make a perfect location for ambushing their prey and hiding from other predatory fish like muskies.—
Derek Horner,
Outdoor Life,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the furthest part of space lies Dante 01, a detention facility that houses criminals who have committed the most shocking crimes imaginable.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Their latest documentary series looks set to continue that streak, exploring a shocking real case of love, betrayal, and justice.—
Fleurine Tideman,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Winger Xavi Simons’ anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury will keep him out for some time, with striker Dominic Solanke also pulling up — albeit his ailment appears less serious — at Molineux to cast doubt over Spurs’ attacking firepower in the upcoming weeks.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
He was also found guilty of two counts of assault for attacking two other men with butcher knives.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The best examples are his stunning goals against Atletico Madrid and Brighton & Hove Albion.—
Dan Kilpatrick,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Traditional-style longboats cruise the rivers while skyscrapers with rooftop bars offer stunning views of the temples at night.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
