surprising

adjective

sur·​pris·​ing sər-ˈprī-ziŋ 

sə-

: of a nature that excites surprise

Synonyms

• amazing
• astonishing
• astounding
• blindsiding
• dumbfounding
• dumfounding
• eye-opening
• flabbergasting
• jarring
• jaw-dropping
• jolting
• shocking
• startling
• stunning
• stupefying

Examples of surprising in a Sentence

It's not surprising that he doesn't want to go.

The changes to the campus were surprising.

He shows a surprising lack of concern for others.

A surprising number of people were laid off at the factory.

Recent Examples on the Web

In August 2024, the United States, also a major plastic and oil producer, announced a surprising policy shift by now committing to support limits on plastic production as well. —Susan Solomon, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024

Jamie Foxx's birthday dinner took a surprising turn on Friday the 13th. —Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024

Astro Bot was the big winner at the show, taking home four awards in total – far from the show's historical records but still respectable – including a surprising win in the big prize, Game of the Year. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

And then there’s Brentford, who are the surprising name on the list of those yet to win two games in a row. —Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

surprising

adjective

sur·​pris·​ing

sə(r)-ˈprī-ziŋ

: causing surprise : amazing