as in sudden
not expected
the failure of the backup generator was unexpected and a contingency for which we weren't prepared
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unexpected
There’s going to be an unexpected casting change for Broadway‘s Moulin Rouge!
—
Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
For many households, flooring has become an unexpected area of impact.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles made an unexpected choice in the seventh and final round of the 2026 NFL Draft, going with a breakout athlete who has never played organized football.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Nothing is new under the Sun For anyone familiar with the history of helicopter warfare, the ability of FPV drones to bring down a helicopter is not exactly unexpected.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
For many households, flooring has become an unexpected area of impact.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles made an unexpected choice in the seventh and final round of the 2026 NFL Draft, going with a breakout athlete who has never played organized football.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Nothing is new under the Sun For anyone familiar with the history of helicopter warfare, the ability of FPV drones to bring down a helicopter is not exactly unexpected.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
-
Early in his baseball career, Kaneland pitcher Jack Frey came to a sudden realization.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The turmoil has included the sudden resignation of then-Supt.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
