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
An unexpected result in Japan’s leadership contest over the weekend rippled through global financial markets with the dollar surging against the yen on Sunday.
—
Danny Bakst, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
With it, Pierpaolo explores the space between fabric and body, where the air between them becomes a third dimension and a vital component of their construction to create bold and unexpected shapes.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025
Still, the season hits several hallmarks that have come to define the series, including warped timelines and unexpected musical interludes.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
This compact kit includes 276 pieces, covering everything from scrapes to unexpected travel mishaps.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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.
Danny Bakst, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
With it, Pierpaolo explores the space between fabric and body, where the air between them becomes a third dimension and a vital component of their construction to create bold and unexpected shapes.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025
Still, the season hits several hallmarks that have come to define the series, including warped timelines and unexpected musical interludes.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
This compact kit includes 276 pieces, covering everything from scrapes to unexpected travel mishaps.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 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 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share