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

The level of organization is surprising, but this is a trend of Jews being portrayed in certain ways and trying to be silenced. — Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

In what may be a surprising twist, the journalist presents eyebrow-raising information about who helped Barbie escape Europe. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

This is initially surprising, because the YouTube app appears to be at least a little updated for the Duo. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026

From the first phone call with my midwife, my decision sat with surprising ease. — Trinity Mouzon Wofford, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 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