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

Despite the extreme nature of the order, Peacock’s enthusiasm for the series should not be surprising. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026

That’s not surprising, though, since the events are not only intended to rev enthusiasm for customized and highly tuned automobiles, but keep the philanthropic legacy of Paul Walker alive. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026

What makes this all the more surprising is that sponges lack muscles and neurons, while ctenophores have muscles and exhibit evidence of a simple nervous system. — Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 16 Sep. 2026

This investigation into concrete, as well as our cyclical behavior, took him to some surprising places. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 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