as in sudden
not expected
the failure of the backup generator was unexpected and a contingency for which we weren't prepared
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Recent Examples of unexpected
This unexpected turn of events left Tamer, who had never intended to step into the spotlight as a singer, feeling conflicted.
—
Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2025
This becomes particularly problematic when global risks take unexpected turns, such as the sudden imposition of sanctions or the rapid escalation of regional conflicts, which can fall outside the patterns suggested by historical data.
—Jochen Schwenk, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
The two friends find their paths diverging in their 30s and the trip takes some unexpected turns, including a chance encounter with a classmate and a bachelor party.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 14 Jan. 2025
While symptoms such as lack of energy, coughing and sore throats were among the usual suspects, many people also reported unexpected side effects, like losing track of days, arguing with loved ones, and even misplacing objects in unassuming places.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unexpected 
Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2025
This becomes particularly problematic when global risks take unexpected turns, such as the sudden imposition of sanctions or the rapid escalation of regional conflicts, which can fall outside the patterns suggested by historical data.
—Jochen Schwenk, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
The two friends find their paths diverging in their 30s and the trip takes some unexpected turns, including a chance encounter with a classmate and a bachelor party.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 14 Jan. 2025
While symptoms such as lack of energy, coughing and sore throats were among the usual suspects, many people also reported unexpected side effects, like losing track of days, arguing with loved ones, and even misplacing objects in unassuming places.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unexpected
Thesaurus Entries Near unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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