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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of surprising
Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
This is not surprising considering that free speech has long been associated with the metaphor of free trade in ideas, closely tied to the value of a deregulated market economy.
—Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
At the end of Season 3, Belinda finds herself in a surprising position of power after Greg offers her $100,000 to keep quiet about his identity.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
How to pet a dragon — and cast a spell
Beyond rides, Epic Universe provides a surprising amount of interactive elements and experiences that were first teased in the existing Harry Potter lands in their two previous Florida parks.
—Adrian Ruhi, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
There are surprising developments about who gets read into the truth and when.
—Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
This is not surprising considering that free speech has long been associated with the metaphor of free trade in ideas, closely tied to the value of a deregulated market economy.
—Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
At the end of Season 3, Belinda finds herself in a surprising position of power after Greg offers her $100,000 to keep quiet about his identity.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
How to pet a dragon — and cast a spell
Beyond rides, Epic Universe provides a surprising amount of interactive elements and experiences that were first teased in the existing Harry Potter lands in their two previous Florida parks.
—Adrian Ruhi, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
The New Orleans Saints were hit with some startling news on the health status of starting quarterback Derek Carr just two weeks prior to the NFL Draft.—
Kambui Bomani,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
-
Scientists are increasingly aware of urine communication in all its startling forms.—
Gennaro Tomma,
Scientific American,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This urban getaway lacks the drama of national park favorites like Zion or the Grand Canyon, but its conservation successes are quite astonishing.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Even so, his start was nothing short of astonishing.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
On the more fun side of the craft spectrum, Kelvin’s outfits have always been amazing, but the sequin suit in this episode is really a highlight.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This soulful part of Phuket is dotted with colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, hidden temples, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of amazing restaurants and bars.—
Jenn Rice,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s the potential to still reach 94 points, which might not quite have the same sheen to it as the 99 points achieved by Liverpool’s last title-winning side in 2019-20 but should still be recognised as a wonderful achievement.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Katy Perry reportedly sang ‘Its a wonderful world,’ Gayle King beamed in zero gravity, as Lauren Sánchez—pilot, philanthropist, and Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, led Blue Origin’s first all-female crew to the edge of space.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
-
Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The stunning move may have repercussions on hundreds of other international students who have been targeted by the administration.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt then said Tuesday that Trump’s threats of even higher tariffs on China will become reality after midnight, when imports from China will be taxed at a stunning 104% rate.—
Time,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
All of this is made possible through the elegant, limitlessly expressive writing system that is musical notation, which is as miraculous as the alphabet itself, and can be used for purposes every bit as varied.—
Matthew Aucoin,
The Atlantic,
15 Apr. 2025
-
From $280 Book now This transformation of the historic and stately National Bank into the Riggs hotel is nearly miraculous.—
Laura Dannen Redman,
AFAR Media,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Munn: These are people who have incredible wealth and are crumbling in front of your eyes.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
-
De Bruyne produced chances, goals and memorable moments at an incredible, unerring rate over 10 trophy-laden seasons at City.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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