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

So, that whole international aspect has been really surprising to me. — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Some of it felt familiar — the outer screen is small, the cameras aren’t great — but other reasons were a little more surprising. — Allison Johnson, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026

As for the ultimate goal, Lee says something surprising for a brand operating in one of the buzziest markets. — Ella Graveney, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026

Barring any contract extensions or surprising releases in the next two months, the Dolphins will enter the offseason with $96 million in cap space, according to overthecap. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 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