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
Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
The Rachel and Nell makeout was surprising.
—William Earl, Variety, 28 Mar. 2026
Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Interest from collectors nationwide surged after Bramer Auction & Realty shared photos online, driving bidding from $1,000 to a final sale price of $32,000, surprising its 91-year-old owner on her birthday.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
The trend is perhaps not entirely surprising, as sequins have long been a symbol of wealth and status.
—Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
The Rachel and Nell makeout was surprising.
—William Earl, Variety, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
After surprising her mother, Madison continued to try on wedding dresses and eventually found the one.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Interest from collectors nationwide surged after Bramer Auction & Realty shared photos online, driving bidding from $1,000 to a final sale price of $32,000, surprising its 91-year-old owner on her birthday.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
What’s startling is how quickly yesterday’s propaganda has morphed into a neutral statement on American policy.—
Quico Toro,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Now his name is trending again, his lawsuit against his parents a startling revelation.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The administration has asked for an astonishing $200 billion to fund a war that the president also sporadically claims is over, giving legislators an unappetizing choice between funding a quagmire or else walking away and leaving a mess behind.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
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Archaeologists discovered two astonishing Iron Age hoards in North Yorkshire, one of them being the largest ever found in British history, which has changed the historical understanding of wealth and power in pre-Roman Britain.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Mar. 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
-
Rajabi was therefore reduced to meeting Khamenei by ambushing him after evening prayers in his compound.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The man accused of ambushing West Virginia National Guard members near the White House in November, killing one and severely wounding another, is set to be arraigned in court on Wednesday.—
Steve Beynon,
ABC News,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The exhibition pairs their work together, showing the value of shocking style in a moment of conservatism.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Pastor Stephen Perumalla said the circumstances are shocking.—
Tony Aiello,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Even a spontaneous side order of roasted carrots with pomegranate yogurt is haunting me, in a wonderful way.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Jim has a wonderful history with Cannes.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
There are outside groups aligned with Democrats, yet much of their spending has focused on attacking Collins, rather than supporting a Democratic primary candidate.—
Steve Mistler,
NPR,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Regardless, there’s no excuse — even in hard knocks politics — for attacking someone because of his disability.—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The lobby is separated into small, lounge-like spaces, including a reception desk that’s tucked away in an alcove under a stunning sculpture of falling dandelions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Owls beat Tennessee in the Sweet 16 three years ago as part of a stunning run to the Final Four.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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