unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: not expected : unforeseen
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of unexpected in a Sentence
an unexpected turn of events
I'm sad that she's leaving, but it was not unexpected.
Recent Examples on the Web
Surprisingly, Jimmy Buffett pops up among the inductees — unexpected because not only was the late singer/songwriter not on the ballot this year, but he had never even been nominated before.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Apr. 2024
The surgery was grueling, lasting 10 hours, with unexpected complications that required blood transfusions.
—Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024
Although Swift produced the song with Jack Antonoff, the chorus brings to mind an earlier collaborator of hers, Max Martin, who is known for using major and minor chords in unexpected ways.
—The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2024
Bonello takes the cautionary tale about the dangers of being too cautious and takes it in unexpected directions.
—Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024
Goldstein especially loves bringing this popular winter shade over to the summer season and recommends pairing it when wearing your neutral linens or clothes with a pop of color like red or lilac for an unexpected contrast.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024
That means the technology must be able to safely respond to nearly all unexpected situations on the road.
—Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024
According to Airbnb’s trending U.S. Destinations list, a mix of unexpected spots for outdoor adventures and beachgoers mingle with perennial favorites.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2024
Both of those things in their way are unexpected, right?
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024
Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Apr. 2024
The surgery was grueling, lasting 10 hours, with unexpected complications that required blood transfusions.
—Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024
Although Swift produced the song with Jack Antonoff, the chorus brings to mind an earlier collaborator of hers, Max Martin, who is known for using major and minor chords in unexpected ways.
—The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2024
Bonello takes the cautionary tale about the dangers of being too cautious and takes it in unexpected directions.
—Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024
Goldstein especially loves bringing this popular winter shade over to the summer season and recommends pairing it when wearing your neutral linens or clothes with a pop of color like red or lilac for an unexpected contrast.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024
That means the technology must be able to safely respond to nearly all unexpected situations on the road.
—Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024
According to Airbnb’s trending U.S. Destinations list, a mix of unexpected spots for outdoor adventures and beachgoers mingle with perennial favorites.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2024
Both of those things in their way are unexpected, right?
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unexpected.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
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