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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Recent Examples of unexpected
But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 1 July 2025
But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 1 July 2025
The planet has an unexpected ally in Jaylah (Sofia Boutella) who might be able to get our heroes back into space.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Whether your brand is facing a lull in customers due to the off-season, cost increases or even an unexpected global health crisis, flexibility is critical to embrace.
—Carey Bringle, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 1 July 2025
But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 1 July 2025
The planet has an unexpected ally in Jaylah (Sofia Boutella) who might be able to get our heroes back into space.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Whether your brand is facing a lull in customers due to the off-season, cost increases or even an unexpected global health crisis, flexibility is critical to embrace.
—Carey Bringle, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
-
The tragedy in Ruidoso highlights growing concerns about increasingly intense weather systems striking communities with little time to prepare for sudden surges of water.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
In one particularly raw moment, a woman studying the photographs let out a sudden shriek.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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