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
Part of what’s driven the unexpected optimism have been industry sales and production holding up much better than expected, in addition to broader macroeconomics such as consumer spending being relatively stable.
—
Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
City officials haven’t provided an estimate of how much the unexpected bin choices will cost them.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
James, from Park City, sent footage to Ring showcasing the unexpected moment captured on his doorbell camera.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Finally, plan for the unexpected.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 13 Oct. 2025
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.
Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
City officials haven’t provided an estimate of how much the unexpected bin choices will cost them.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
James, from Park City, sent footage to Ring showcasing the unexpected moment captured on his doorbell camera.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Finally, plan for the unexpected.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 13 Oct. 2025
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 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share