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
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
Earlier reports had indicated Urban had already moved on, so this is a surprising development.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Jan. 2026
Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
The characters kept surprising me.
—Lindsay Lohan, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
And speaking of monologues, Carrie Coon’s surprising final sentiment has to be one of the finale’s pinnacles.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
Earlier reports had indicated Urban had already moved on, so this is a surprising development.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
Police are looking into how a man ended up inside the trunk of a driverless Waymo in the Westlake District, surprising a mom and daughter.
—Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
The characters kept surprising me.
—Lindsay Lohan, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
The startling moment quickly grabbed attention online, with the video racking up more than 9 million views.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The urgency of their missing is underscored by startling numbers uncovered in our CBS Data Team investigation, which found that in 2025 domestic violence accounted for 26% of all violent crimes in Chicago.—
Marissa Perlman,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Less noted is the incredible mosaic of voters from an astonishing medley of countries that propelled him into office.—
Vijay Dandapani,
New York Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Some of the other largest deals in recent memory are cyber security, including Palo Alto Network’s astonishing $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk in 2025.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Over the past two months, JNIM has stepped up attacks on fuel supplies, ambushing tankers on the roads from Ivory Coast and Senegal.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
-
After ambushing Fuller at her mansion, Teddy and his accomplice/cousin Don (Aidan Delbis) knock her unconscious with a tranquilizer and load her into the backseat of her own car.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
What an amazing group of women to journey through this mom-hood together!—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Fresh talks can spark amazing progress.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Christos honored their promise by gifting me with a wonderful collage in addition to my one-dollar paycheck.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
That scene was so incredibly awkward… and wonderful.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The hunt for a murder suspect uncovers a crime with shocking legal and ethical implications; Bruno must protect his squad during a raid on a suspect's home; Carisi and Price team up in court when Brady's interrogation tactics undermine the case.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Jan. 2026
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The short-term impact was shocking with the loss of foliage but today, about 15 years later, the border looks beautiful and screens the neighbor’s house and yard while providing a reliable habitat for birds.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Obstructing, impeding, or attacking federal law enforcement is a federal crime.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
What now is the difference between the United States attacking Venezuela in order to install new leadership and Russia invading Ukraine to effect annexation and leadership change?—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Costa Blanca is stunning from dry land, but exploring by water offers an opportunity to see the coastline from a new perspective.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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Read on for more on-sale Kate Spade purses worth checking out, including a chic suede laptop bag, a leather commuter tote, and a stunning blue oversized shoulder bag.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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