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
Clint Davis, People.com, 29 June 2025
After a season packed with surprising twists, bloodshed, and danger, The Waterfront wraps with a dramatic and intense finale.
—Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 29 June 2025
Speaking of pleasantly surprising reunions, long dormant drug den disco country miscreants Jackpot quietly played their first gig in more than a decade in March — a private affair that any local music lover would have Kool-Aid Man’d the Old Ironsides bricks to get into.
—Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
The result is an intimate, melancholy, frank, and surprising paean to reading and books.
—Donna Seaman
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Lately, our go-to spot for savings has been Amazon’s outlet, where surprising finds are way too easy to stumble upon.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 29 June 2025
After a season packed with surprising twists, bloodshed, and danger, The Waterfront wraps with a dramatic and intense finale.
—Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 29 June 2025
Speaking of pleasantly surprising reunions, long dormant drug den disco country miscreants Jackpot quietly played their first gig in more than a decade in March — a private affair that any local music lover would have Kool-Aid Man’d the Old Ironsides bricks to get into.
—Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
The result is an intimate, melancholy, frank, and surprising paean to reading and books.
—Donna Seaman
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
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Here’s an even more startling data point: ChatGPT-4 successfully generated entirely new emotional intelligence tests that performed as well as versions that took researchers years to develop.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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But the most startling is that the team that pioneered the opener now leads the majors in starters’ innings pitched.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Furthermore, the fact the band hasn’t down-tuned or adjusted any of their songs for vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who still effortlessly sings each and every one of Iron Maiden’s songs is absolutely astonishing.—
Quentin Thane Singer,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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But an investigation resulted in an astonishing call from the other side of the world, which revealed that ‘The GPO Girl’ was, in fact, a 25-year-old Australian, who has created more than 100 false identities.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Reed runs the floor, zips around as a screener and is disruptive on defense (4.3 steals per 100 from a center is amazing).—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
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And one last thing, there are amazing men who helped me become less machista.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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It is filled with many wonderful surprises discoverable to the 200,000-plus visitors who come during the busiest time (November to July) and escapade around its hilly terrain in the signature island vehicle, the mini Moke.—
Melinda Sheckells,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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Steve was a wonderful antidote to Miranda, and Joy is a wonderful antidote in a very different way.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
20 June 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
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The stunning coupe is one of just 25 examples that were reimagined by the supercar maker last decade.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
23 June 2025
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This stunning three-bedroom apartment was recently fully renovated, but mercifully, the original wall frescoes and vaulted ceilings were preserved.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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There's also a nod to the narrator's wife making an unexpected comeback late on, though Robbie's miraculous/implausible (delete as appropriate) return from the dead stretches credibility way past breaking point.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 June 2025
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Considering her herculean effort and miraculous success, the speediness of her undoing is stunning.—
Literary Hub
June 23,
Literary Hub,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Told in the second person – a love letter from a younger sister to an older – this incredible novel, from the author of The Wedding People, explores how absence can be the biggest presence.—
Fran Littlewood
June 24,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
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The project follows efforts from fellow emirate Dubai to transform its city into a walkable one, while nearby Saudi Arabia is even more ambitious with its incredible building spree, including the JEC Tower and the Line.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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