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
Levi’s noted that the orange and purple deliver unexpected results.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026
Do not make quick, unexpected movements near hives and do not swat at bees, which can trigger defensive behavior.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Unless there’s an unexpected change that leads to regime change, the current conflict won’t solve our Iran problem.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026
Incidentally, this look gives us the idea of dusting off old bodysuits and reinterpreting them as an unexpected top trend for spring.
—Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026
Do not make quick, unexpected movements near hives and do not swat at bees, which can trigger defensive behavior.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Unless there’s an unexpected change that leads to regime change, the current conflict won’t solve our Iran problem.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026
Incidentally, this look gives us the idea of dusting off old bodysuits and reinterpreting them as an unexpected top trend for spring.
—Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Skarsgård’s character James ejaculating at the beach after a sudden handjob by Mia Goth’s freewheeling Gabi.—
Gustavo Turner,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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