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

Clean, conservative, and accented with tulle, silk bows, and lace appliqués, these gowns feel like a surprising pivot in bridal fashion, which has grown more avant-garde in recent years with the rise of the anti-bride. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

The two-year explosion in popularity has been a boon for moving volumes, stemming from a surprising excitement in younger readers who are adamant about buying tangible copies. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026

The call to the Kremlin by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb was surprising. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers are the surprising last teams standing with a zero in either the win or the loss column. — ABC News, 28 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