1
as in startling
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the surprising news that they were going to have a baby had them rushing to buy nursery furniture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in astonishing
causing wonder or astonishment
it's surprising how much knowledge of physics the architects of those immense medieval cathedrals must have had
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also surprizing
1
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
I was very surprised when my parents offered to pay the down payment on our house
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in ambushing
to lie in wait for and attack by surprise
FBI agents surprised the counterfeiters in their own base of operations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of surprising
Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025
The surprising order impacts the lottery immensely, as Dallas moving up reduces one spot in the middle of the lottery for a potential point guard to be selected, possibly resulting in that position cascading down the board a bit.
—Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The afternoon’s ceasefire is all the more surprising given the intensity of this morning’s fighting.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
But one of Walters' loudest and most surprising critics is conservative Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who first met Walters at a tennis match and helped launch his political career.
—Shanelle Kaul, CBS News, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Would not be surprising to see Thomas claim his third PGA Championship.
—Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025
The surprising order impacts the lottery immensely, as Dallas moving up reduces one spot in the middle of the lottery for a potential point guard to be selected, possibly resulting in that position cascading down the board a bit.
—Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The afternoon’s ceasefire is all the more surprising given the intensity of this morning’s fighting.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
But one of Walters' loudest and most surprising critics is conservative Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who first met Walters at a tennis match and helped launch his political career.
—Shanelle Kaul, CBS News, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
Alfredo Tejada makes a startling company debut as a ferociously frightening Ramón Ruiz Alonso, who arrests Lorca.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2025
-
The Democratic Party is grappling with questions over its political direction following the startling loss of all three branches of government during the 2024 elections.—
Isabella Murray,
ABC News,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
These mother-child relationships are wonderfully portrayed, but one of the series’ most astonishing details is Justin’s relationship with his father, Eric (Wood Harris).—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
8 May 2025
-
Americans are accustomed to U.S. companies delivering astonishing innovations with regularity, including the iPhone, cloud computing, the Tesla Model S, and ChatGPT.—
L. RAFAEL REIF,
Foreign Affairs,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
Midway through game three, Agassi was clearly winded from playing in the oppressive Florida humidity, but after an amazing rally at 7-7 in the third the teenagers capitulated and Waters/Agassi were able to win and move forward.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Thank you to our amazing cast, crew, and producers and writers!—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Washington Capitals, won 4-1 against Montreal Last week: 7 Sean: 4 Dom: 9 Pierre-Luc Dubois had a fine first round, but zero goals and two assists were still a step down from his wonderful regular season.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
The wonderful thing is that Carrie Preston is wonderful with everybody.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The ongoing inspiration of the artist’s garden is revealed in a final gallery featuring a stunning array of Asawa’s late drawings of plants, bouquets and flowers produced during the 1990s and early 2000s.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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As Rockets head coach Ime Udoka addressed reporters a few hours before Houston’s stunning 115-107 Game 6 win over the Golden State Warriors, his veneration of longtime head coach Gregg Popovich, his former boss, seemed more important than prepping for an elimination game.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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Revival — Premieres Thursday, June 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin, the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2025
-
That Jia could make anything out of that flotsam and jetsam is astonishing, but his ability to not only recreate those time frames but craft all of it into a woozy, free-floating memory piece is miraculous.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
Dina’s hair looks incredible the entire time, by the way.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
Boom, out of nowhere, the enterprising AI developer comes up with an incredible breakthrough, doing so around year 13 or 14.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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