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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Recent Examples of surprising
Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The Indianapolis Colts are a surprising 2-0 team to start the 2025 NFL season, but that record wouldn’t be possible without an unusual play that went their way after the clock hit zero in the fourth quarter.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025
After surprising the baseball world and reaching the playoffs last season, Kansas City has played well below that level in 2025.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Major League Baseball announced Betts as the National League Player of the Week on Monday amid a surprising turnaround at the plate.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The Indianapolis Colts are a surprising 2-0 team to start the 2025 NFL season, but that record wouldn’t be possible without an unusual play that went their way after the clock hit zero in the fourth quarter.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
Detroit rapper Kash Doll pulled out all the stops for her boyfriend, NFL star Za’Darius Smith’s 33rd birthday, surprising him with a custom ride that has fans talking.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025
After surprising the baseball world and reaching the playoffs last season, Kansas City has played well below that level in 2025.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
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In the decades since Manabe’s groundbreaking work, study after study has stacked evidence to confirm the startling accuracy of his prediction.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
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Wolfe broke the startling news himself in a series of posts to his Instagram stories on Saturday.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Then, travelers settle on the ship for eight days to visit communities along the Ganges River, such as Matiari, a village known for its brass artisans, and Kalna, home to the astonishing Rajbari temple complex.—
Bailey Berg,
AFAR Media,
9 Sep. 2025
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An organic feel, curves, an astonishing representation of the body, a totally improbable position, even for Picasso.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The entertainment giant accused Sling TV’s parent of ambushing it with the offering, allegedly without consultation, to capitalize on the starts of the college football and NFL seasons.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
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The president has constantly mocked Powell on social media, and accused him of mismanaging renovations of the Fed’s headquarters, even ambushing the Fed chief with a new cost estimate for a facility renovation in front of rolling television cameras.—
Tobias Burns,
The Hill,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Malleable and with a matte finish, when worked through the hair, this white paste keeps flyaways at bay, musses up the ends of short cuts, and sculpts amazing second-day texture.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Those guys just haulin' butt around on there will be pretty amazing to see.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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Stargazing is a wonderful pursuit that appeals to both the casual and dedicated observer, but views outside of cities are often much clearer and brighter thanks to different levels of light pollution.—
Harry Bennett,
Space.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The first season concludes with patriarch Horace Bellaire marrying Kimmie from his hospital bed, leaving her his inheritance and shocking his spoiled heirs.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The gruesome killing has quickly become a cause célèbre for the administration, who for months have been pointing to shocking crimes as proof that cities with Democratic leaders have allowed criminals to run amok.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The hybrid Amelanchier x grandiflora tends to be the most readily available at garden centers and certainly makes a stunning specimen.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
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Both celebrations provided that and more, including stunning outfit changes, ethereal decor, and a robot at the reception.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Bradley McCroskey caught a miraculous 26-yard touchdown pass on the final play of regulation, then Temi Ericson raced nearly untouched for a 25-yard TD in overtime to give the Indians a 34-28 victory.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Sep. 2025
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Every bite elicits wonder, provoking a quiet moment of gratitude for this lush, miraculous habitat.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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