surprising

1 of 2

adjective

sur·​pris·​ing sər-ˈprī-ziŋ 

sə-

: of a nature that excites surprise

surprising

2 of 2

present participle of surprise entry 2

Synonyms of surprising

Adjective

• startling
• amazing
• shocking
• stunning
• astonishing

Examples of surprising in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Particularly concerning in Wednesday’s inflation report was the surprising rebound in housing and rent costs, a significant contributor to inflation that had cooled off in the spring and summer. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

The ballot measure has driven at times surprising splits in some California political camps. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026

The most surprising development, though, are the drizzles of paint. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026

The babies arrived around the same time, surprising parents and medical staff at the hospital. — Marlee Ginter, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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