the unexpected
noun
: things that happen unexpectedly
Drivers must always be prepared to deal with the unexpected.
Examples of the unexpected in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jennifer Lopez revealed the unexpected Gen Z celebrities her kids Emme and Max, 18, are starstruck over.
—
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026
Between their melodies, inevitable as a heart attack, the four New York musicians carve out room for the unexpected to unfurl.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
Because of the logistics involved with the unexpected arrival of so many animals, the agency's office was closed to the public on Thursday as the staff handled details such as transporting animals to secure facilities.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
The sandwich requires no culinary skill, no expensive ingredients and no special equipment — just a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the unexpected
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026
Between their melodies, inevitable as a heart attack, the four New York musicians carve out room for the unexpected to unfurl.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
Because of the logistics involved with the unexpected arrival of so many animals, the agency's office was closed to the public on Thursday as the staff handled details such as transporting animals to secure facilities.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
The sandwich requires no culinary skill, no expensive ingredients and no special equipment — just a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the unexpected
Cite this Entry
“The unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20unexpected. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
