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
Alejandra Rodríguez, Glamour, 1 May 2025
The recasting was certainly surprising, especially considering Smits played the role in the film on which the prequel series Andor is based, Rogue One.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
While that might have been a surprising wait, given the lack of depth at the position, Lathan Ransom has the tools and upside to be a huge addition for the locker room and the secondary.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025
Cleaning professional Ryan Schutz of Two Maids and a Mop is sharing what a typical cleaning includes, as well as a few surprising areas a house cleaner probably won't clean.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
This fun take on the trend is ideal for a moody spring mani and gives a surprising dash of color to nails.
—Alejandra Rodríguez, Glamour, 1 May 2025
The recasting was certainly surprising, especially considering Smits played the role in the film on which the prequel series Andor is based, Rogue One.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
While that might have been a surprising wait, given the lack of depth at the position, Lathan Ransom has the tools and upside to be a huge addition for the locker room and the secondary.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025
Cleaning professional Ryan Schutz of Two Maids and a Mop is sharing what a typical cleaning includes, as well as a few surprising areas a house cleaner probably won't clean.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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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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But there would be no miraculous comeback on this night in Fort Lauderdale.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2025
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From Moscow’s vantage point, the past three months have been miraculous: Putin can now envision a path to win the war in Ukraine, a possibility that did not exist three months ago because the United States was blocking its way.—
Eric Green,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Dina’s hair looks incredible the entire time, by the way.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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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 13 May. 2025.
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