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
Despite previous rejections from Jack Dubois (Huszar), who oversees the entries, Holly finds an unexpected opportunity to assist legendary glassblower Bianca Bonhomme, to help Jack.
—
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Dec. 2025
And there are some unexpected finds.
—Jackie Northam, NPR, 7 Dec. 2025
During their state visit earlier this year, Charles and Camilla had an unexpected meeting with the now-late Pope Francis at the Vatican, during which the pontiff expressed his good wishes to the couple on the occasion of their anniversary.
—Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025
During these meetings, unexpected deals can materialize, especially a blockbuster trade or a left-field signing that seems to come out of nowhere.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Dec. 2025
And there are some unexpected finds.
—Jackie Northam, NPR, 7 Dec. 2025
During their state visit earlier this year, Charles and Camilla had an unexpected meeting with the now-late Pope Francis at the Vatican, during which the pontiff expressed his good wishes to the couple on the occasion of their anniversary.
—Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025
During these meetings, unexpected deals can materialize, especially a blockbuster trade or a left-field signing that seems to come out of nowhere.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 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 8 Dec. 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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