unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: not expected : unforeseen
unexpected consequences/results
Drivers must be prepared to deal with the unexpected. [=things that happen unexpectedly]
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Examples of unexpected in a Sentence
an unexpected turn of events
I'm sad that she's leaving, but it was not unexpected.
Recent Examples on the Web
With Duke the only of those teams still in the ACC race, there’s at least a path for the Tar Heels to punctuate an unexpected turnaround with a bowl bid.
—
Justin Williams, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Warren’s music is dense with historic illusion, love and sadness, tinted with unexpected whimsy.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025
But Ben’s defiance, instincts and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
The case took an unexpected turn on Friday when Buzzard, 40, was arrested on a charge of false imprisonment – but not for the disappearance of her daughter.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Justin Williams, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Warren’s music is dense with historic illusion, love and sadness, tinted with unexpected whimsy.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025
But Ben’s defiance, instincts and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
The case took an unexpected turn on Friday when Buzzard, 40, was arrested on a charge of false imprisonment – but not for the disappearance of her daughter.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
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