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 Sentences
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Recent Examples of surprising
Jennifer Maas, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
While plenty of debate was sparked on social media with Belichick’s surprising move to the NCAA, Lil Wayne hopped on X on Thursday (Dec. 12) to congratulate the six-time Super Bowl champion on getting the UNC job.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024
But a defensive overhaul on the heels of a 42-28 win Sept. 21 at Mississippi State and during the Gators’ open week began a surprising turnaround.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
But that’s not surprising, because Selena is a leader.
—Edgar Ramirez Published, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for surprising 
Adjective
With worlds that are entirely different from each other, surprising challenges await players at every turn.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
While plenty of debate was sparked on social media with Belichick’s surprising move to the NCAA, Lil Wayne hopped on X on Thursday (Dec. 12) to congratulate the six-time Super Bowl champion on getting the UNC job.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024
But a defensive overhaul on the heels of a 42-28 win Sept. 21 at Mississippi State and during the Gators’ open week began a surprising turnaround.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
But that’s not surprising, because Selena is a leader.
—Edgar Ramirez Published, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
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The film at times has the encompassing pansexuality of a D.H. Lawrence novel (Women in Love, say, which was adapted into a rather startling film back in 1969) but with everyone wearing immaculate shorts and tennies.Tom Gliatto, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
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This startling documentary by Chris Smith (‘Fyre,’ ‘100 Foot Wave’) is told through intimate access to Bryan Johnson, a man who has dedicated his life to defy aging.Jack Dunn, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Both turned out to be historic miscalculations — with no clearer evidence than the astonishing fall of an Assad family regime on Sunday that had ruled Syria for 53 years.Barak Ravid, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024
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But while this award was received with a swell of enthusiasm back in West Africa, virtually no one in the U.S. had ever written about him or his family’s astonishing legacy.Eliot Stein, Rolling Stone, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Expect opulent craft cocktails, Champagne and wine, plus caviar, oysters and light bites/shareables, presented in a space with amazing views and a Googie design.Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 17 Dec. 2024
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So everybody was just trying to ask something of me, which was an amazing thing.Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The residents of this wonderful city hold a special place in my heart.Melissa Noel, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024
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Watch The Small One on Disney+ Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas This short holiday special catches up with the Ice Age characters at the most wonderful time of the year … well, in theory.Sydni Ellis, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In the show’s two signature numbers, both of them Norma’s declarations of her own worthiness, Scherzinger stands at center stage and belts with shocking vocal power and agility, surrounded by purgatorial swirls of smoke and blown out by that Lloydian white light.Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 21 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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And [‘Fugitive Dreams’] is just the most visually stunning piece of work.Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024
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Hallmark delivers every year with charming designs, like this $9 stacking toy ornament and stunning baby rattle.Katrina Cossey, Parents, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Around the same time, The County Buzz – the high school sports magazine Etienne launched in 2005 – made a miraculous comeback.Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
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This is a 16-time Funny Car champion, mind you, whose latest chapter reads like something out of a Hollywood blockbuster, complete with fire, fury, and a miraculous escape.Greg Engle, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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On top of the track views, the space also features incredible food options and entertainment space.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
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My cousin was thrilled with the incredible support from the fans and is deeply grateful for Christian’s generosity.Bryan West, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near surprising
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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