unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: not expected : unforeseen
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Examples of unexpected in a Sentence
an unexpected turn of events
I'm sad that she's leaving, but it was not unexpected.
Recent Examples on the Web
Whether your brand is facing a lull in customers due to the off-season, cost increases or even an unexpected global health crisis, flexibility is critical to embrace.
—
Carey Bringle, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Most recently, the sporty staple appeared (and reappeared) in Chanel’s resort 2026 collection in unexpected pairings that were anything but prim.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 20 June 2025
Annie Spieth might just get the best kind of unexpected gift this week: her husband, home and healthy, for what really matters next.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
The heart reveals peony in an unexpected and intense combination with sandalwood and rum absolute, while the base develops into this gorgeous deep song of vanilla with notes of labdanum, operanide and ambroxan.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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.
Carey Bringle, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Most recently, the sporty staple appeared (and reappeared) in Chanel’s resort 2026 collection in unexpected pairings that were anything but prim.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 20 June 2025
Annie Spieth might just get the best kind of unexpected gift this week: her husband, home and healthy, for what really matters next.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
The heart reveals peony in an unexpected and intense combination with sandalwood and rum absolute, while the base develops into this gorgeous deep song of vanilla with notes of labdanum, operanide and ambroxan.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share