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

Opposites react Despite its drawbacks, the federal proposal to schedule 7-OH has some surprising supporters. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026

Read Cep’s Profile of Kingsolver » Our editors and critics choose the most captivating, notable, brilliant, surprising, absorbing, weird, thought-provoking, and talked-about books. — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Showalter, who has undergone a surprising career shift from alt comedian to journeyman director of women’s pictures, clearly wants to try his hand at a lurid erotic thriller. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Despite being down to lone original member Wayne Coyne following the surprising December 2025 departure of Steven Drozd, the Lips remain active on the road. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 30 Sep. 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