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
Examples of surprising in a Sentence
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Recent Examples on the Web
Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
If the grocery angle seems like a surprising choice, that was by design.
—Adriana Lee, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
Best Shoe Deals Overall Dr. Scholl's Emilia Slip-On Loafer
From comfy recovery clogs to classic canvas walking shoes, these surprising discounts are on top brands like Crocs and Vans.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024
Antetokounmpo spoke after their recent loss and had a surprising reaction.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for surprising 
Adjective
The comedy great — whose work always includes catchy soundtracks and surprising musician cameos — last brought the road show to the festival in 2015, and his guests then were good buddy Adam Sandler and Mike Birbiglia.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
If the grocery angle seems like a surprising choice, that was by design.
—Adriana Lee, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
Best Shoe Deals Overall Dr. Scholl's Emilia Slip-On Loafer
From comfy recovery clogs to classic canvas walking shoes, these surprising discounts are on top brands like Crocs and Vans.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024
Antetokounmpo spoke after their recent loss and had a surprising reaction.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
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This is startling because there are plenty of high-income, high-home value towns on the Jersey side of the Delaware, and yet the first entry in our ranking is ZIP code 08033, covering the borough of Haddonfield — at No. 129.Andrew DePietro, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
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Pollock’s claim draws the attention of an American scientist, who crosses the Atlantic multiple times over two decades to study the twins, and reaches a startling conclusion, what if death is only the beginning?Jack Dunn, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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When Salomon rebuilt the Stance 96 last year, the iconic French brand redirected its focus toward off-piste freeride terrain with astonishing success.Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
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Economic concerns especially drove his astonishing inroads with young and minority voters.Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Don't miss out on these amazing savings to enhance your workflow and keep your data safe while on the go.Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
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This whole experience and getting here today has been amazing.Destiny Torres, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Then there’s Cleo’s nervy 30-something daughter, Grace — the wonderful Zoë Geltman — who’s always been the good girl but whose loins are newly afire for her brother-in-law, Roy (Gabriel Brown).Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
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The box includes only a USB-A-to-USB-C cable for charging. Sound: Powerful Bass and Clean Highs Simply put, the Bose SoundLink Home sounds wonderful.PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The news of John Amos‘ passing was announced earlier this week, shocking many many fans, colleagues, and even his own family members.Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 4 Oct. 2024
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But rather than play up the murders’ shocking gore or give momentum to Lois’ investigation, the first few episodes are content to linger in the investigator’s ennui.Alison Herman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Both scenes are memorable and stunning in a solid, not remarkable, film that warmly celebrates the unbending love shared between a mother and a son and the courage and bravery of Londoners during The Blitz.Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
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International film productions have chosen the lake as a stunning backdrop, and social media are awash with users showing off their trips.Hannah Peart, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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In one miraculous rescue, a woman was found alive on Saturday after being trapped in her car for three days.Atika Shubert, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024
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Tom Hanks and Robin Wright age backwards and forwards through time in the trailer for Robert Zemeckis' Here Zemeckis also elaborated on the miraculous timing that allowed Who Framed Roger Rabbit to go forward in the first place.Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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High-end options feature intense realism, including flocked finishes and incredible body detail.Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
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Don't miss out on these incredible offers (with more to come)!Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near surprising
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
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