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

Decatur Decatur’s 3-0 start isn’t too surprising, as the Eagles have been favorites in all contests. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Prized for his ability to jar and jolt, Wolfson has finally delivered something that is, by his standards, not very surprising at all. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The finding of water in these observations was especially surprising and could yield interesting future exploration. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Even more surprising is how little these signatures have changed over billions of years. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 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