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

All else equal, a contestant would rather win something than not win something, but the unexpected tax bill can sometimes be problematic. —Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

Like many shy people, Seydoux seems to be most at home in her own thoughts — and to speak to her is to enjoy the hairpin turn, the unexpected approach. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 18 May 2026

The story centers on the fragility of human bonds in the times of war, centering on the unexpected reunion of two brothers fighting on opposite sides. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 15 May 2026

Based on Elle Kennedy’s best-selling book series, which chronicles the lives and loves of an elite college ice hockey team, the Amazon Prime Video adaptation follows the unexpected love story between music student Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and star hockey player Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli). —Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

Rhymes for the unexpected

• interconnected
• affected
• bisected
• collected
• connected
• corrected
• defected
• deflected
• dejected
• detected
• directed
• dissected