as in sudden
not expected the failure of the backup generator was unexpected and a contingency for which we weren't prepared

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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.
Recent Examples of unexpected But this collaboration isn’t entirely unexpected, because Tookes is a soon-to-be mom of two children. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 11 Sep. 2025 Ben Affleck and Matt Damon make an unexpected discovery in the teaser trailer for the Netflix action thriller The Rip. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025 In a small Maine town, two adrift women discover unexpected passion when one models for the other. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025 Movers helping a Prairie Village man pack up his belongings Tuesday found a couple unexpected items in his basement. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The condition causes sudden weakness or paralysis in muscles on one side of the face and is, in most cases, temporary, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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