surprising

adjective

sur·​pris·​ing sər-ˈprī-ziŋ 

sə-

: of a nature that excites surprise

Synonyms of surprising

• startling
• amazing
• shocking
• stunning
• astonishing

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

The East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the surprising discovery, per Belgian outlet De Standaard. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Yet Burkeman reaches a surprising conclusion, observing instead that life is finite, plans fail, and few endeavors are ever truly complete. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

Schrader credits their return to the Fox River – and a surprising choice by a pair of falcons to nest outside Aurora City Hall in early April that enamored the town – to a long history of river cleanup efforts. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

The event also sparks discussion about potential upsets, given recent surprising results in the sport. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for surprising

• advising
• apprising
• arising
• baptizing
• capsizing
• chastising
• comprising
• despising
• devising
• disguising
• downsizing
• excising

Kids Definition

surprising

adjective

sur·​pris·​ing

sə(r)-ˈprī-ziŋ

: causing surprise : amazing