unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: not expected : unforeseen
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
The man then smiled and asked him a question that was so unexpected that the teenager involuntarily took several steps backward.
—
John Blake, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Explaining the events leading up to the viral moment, Luna notes how an unexpected storm was to thank.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
To be frank, that was unexpected.
—Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Nestled in the rolling hills of Capay Valley--45 minutes from Sacramento--this unexpected gem offers more than just slot machines and poker tables.
—David Weiss, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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John Blake, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Explaining the events leading up to the viral moment, Luna notes how an unexpected storm was to thank.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
To be frank, that was unexpected.
—Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Nestled in the rolling hills of Capay Valley--45 minutes from Sacramento--this unexpected gem offers more than just slot machines and poker tables.
—David Weiss, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 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 Sep. 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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