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
Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
The Royals have a negative run differential this season, which isn’t surprising for a losing team.
—Jaylon Thompson
may 30, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026
Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Since Vic and Christine didn’t get an international getaway, TurboTax is surprising them with a honeymoon (and handling their first joint tax return while they’re gone, of course).
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Ahead of the premiere, Fisher and Wigfield sat down to discuss this season’s evolving dynamics, including the surprising bond between Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver) and Ginny, the woman Anne’s late husband cheated on her with, impregnated, and ultimately, left her for.
—Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
The Royals have a negative run differential this season, which isn’t surprising for a losing team.
—Jaylon Thompson
may 30, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026
Verb
Zara has been surprising them from the very beginning.
—Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Since Vic and Christine didn’t get an international getaway, TurboTax is surprising them with a honeymoon (and handling their first joint tax return while they’re gone, of course).
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
As the past timeline catches up to the wedding chaos in the present on the six-episode HBO/BBC drama, Ruben (Gadd) makes a startling admission to Niall (Jamie Bell) during a prison visit.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 May 2026
-
There's a startling new plastic surgery trend.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
The widespread opposition has turned into a rare bipartisan issue, with conservatives and liberals joining sides to an astonishing degree.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
4 June 2026
-
An astonishing 51 candidates have thrown their hats in the ring.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Arizona’s offense set the tone for the night by absolutely ambushing Ray, needing just six pitches to plate four runs.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
-
Atletico’s path to the semifinals has been taking first-leg leads — ambushing Tottenham at home then winning at Barcelona — before riding out severe pressure in the return game.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But, following a string of disappointing national-team performances, including failing to qualify for the 1958 World Cup and shocking losses to both the Soviet Union and North Korea at the 1966 edition, the league reinstated the ban.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
30 May 2026
-
Somebody Somewhere — a naturalistic, moving three-season performance that culminated in a shocking Emmy win for best supporting actor last year.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Rather than attacking all rapidly growing cells, as chemotherapy does, the drug targets a key cancer-driving pathway known as KRAS, which is involved in more than 90% of pancreatic tumors.—
Luzdelia Caballero,
CBS News,
5 June 2026
-
Akindahunsi is accused of attacking several women the night of May 28.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
The bathroom was stunning—all white and glass—and as high tech as the bedroom, with a state-of-the-art toilet and electronic bidet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
Since then, Irby has continued to spotlight some of the sport’s most stunning plays and impressive stars, including former Arkansas slugger and current AUSL player Bri Ellis, while also engaging with players from stalwart programs in the comments.—
Molly Keshin,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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