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
Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2025
Michigan State is coming off a loss, however, a surprising 71-67 defeat to Indiana.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
The new approach combines a little knowledge of the bookshelf’s past contents with the surprising power of randomness.
—Steve Nadis, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2025
Since Donald Trump Returned To White House The big increases from 2023 are not surprising given that that year’s figure was severely impacted by the Hollywood strikes, which virtually halted production including on multiple big-budget co-pros for around six months.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Some of these more contemporary sketches offered surprising twists on their formulas, however.
—Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2025
Michigan State is coming off a loss, however, a surprising 71-67 defeat to Indiana.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
The new approach combines a little knowledge of the bookshelf’s past contents with the surprising power of randomness.
—Steve Nadis, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2025
Since Donald Trump Returned To White House The big increases from 2023 are not surprising given that that year’s figure was severely impacted by the Hollywood strikes, which virtually halted production including on multiple big-budget co-pros for around six months.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
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Joel Embiid continues to be out, Paul George has been a startling disappointment, and a remarkable 17 different players have been in the starting lineup through 57 games.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The startling manner of the White House announcement distracts from this long history.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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And, really, that shouldn’t be all that astonishing.—
Kevin Kurz,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
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This contradicts the classic anthropomorphic analogies of Disney’s Pinocchio and Dumbo, as well as The Little Prince, The Iron Giant, Babe and Babe: Pig in the City, and Zack Snyder’s astonishing Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’hoole.—
Armond White,
National Review,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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What was really amazing is how quickly the cast and crew adapted to it.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Our products have been the star, and the feedback on the product has been amazing.—
Renan Botelho,
WWD,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Parker Hall The Best MagSafe Accessories for Your New iPhone The weird, wonderful world of MagSafe accessories can make your smartphone feel modular.—
Julian Chokkattu,
WIRED,
20 Feb. 2025
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One pole of the action is the Green Dolphin Hotel, where Hezekiah and Alec finally find a place to land, and where Hezekiah’s ability to speak Chinese, a legacy from a Chinese grandmother, endears him to the proprietor, Mr. Lao (Jason Tobin, quiet and wonderful); some Elephants are around as well.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Another stunning look consisted of the award-winning actress Zoe Saldana who also wore a silver-toned frock.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
23 Feb. 2025
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Even in winter, the stunning coastline of Southern Norway invites exploration.—
David Nikel,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In a miraculous fall from the height of fame, Faithfull lost custody of her child and wound up homeless on the streets of London.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA TODAY,
31 Jan. 2025
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By the wannabe Yoda’s logic, as successful as a network like NBC was at the time, within a few years, one of its lesser rivals would almost surely mount a miraculous comeback and leave the Peacock looking plucked.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Working with incredible directors like Gia (Coppola).—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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The song starts off with Wallen’s thoughts of how Indigo will grow to learn more about the life his father has led to this point — surely, the incredible career accomplishments, but the low points as well.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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