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
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
This is surprising because much of the Beach Boys’ music is decidedly unfunky.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 18 June 2025
This isn’t surprising, considering wealthier families can afford test prep services, private tutoring and test retakes.
—Audrey Amrein-Beardsley, The Conversation, 17 June 2025
The announcement, though abrupt, was not altogether surprising: City leaders have fretted the loss of Blue Diamond since the 1990s, and the cooperative has been steadily cutting costs in recent years.
—Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Lindor earning more votes than the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts shouldn’t be surprising, but somehow the shortstop has been snubbed for the All-Star game every year since he’s been with the Mets.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
This is surprising because much of the Beach Boys’ music is decidedly unfunky.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 18 June 2025
This isn’t surprising, considering wealthier families can afford test prep services, private tutoring and test retakes.
—Audrey Amrein-Beardsley, The Conversation, 17 June 2025
The announcement, though abrupt, was not altogether surprising: City leaders have fretted the loss of Blue Diamond since the 1990s, and the cooperative has been steadily cutting costs in recent years.
—Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 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
-
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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Peek at our favorite picks, then hop over to Pottery Barn to discover even more amazing deals.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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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
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The performance stretches out for a stunning 14 minutes.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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In genre-bender Death of a Unicorn, starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, a father (Rudd) and daughter (Ortega) accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while en route to a weekend retreat, where his billionaire boss (Richard E. Grant) seeks to exploit the creature’s miraculous curative properties.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
18 June 2025
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My father is a miraculous man as MAGA movement marks 10 years.—
,
FOXNews.com,
17 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 2 Jul. 2025.
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