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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of surprising
Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
That the precise prose of this account, and numerous other anecdotes, is written with the kind of titanic certainty that would sway a jury is expected; what’s surprising, however, is Crenshaw’s candor in revealing her vulnerability and disappointments.
—Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Coastal Mississippi is constantly surprising us, but one of its most delightful surprises is the fact that some of its beaches have white sand that rivals even Florida’s top spots.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
America’s employers delivered a surprising 115,000 new jobs last month despite an economic shock from the Iran war.
—Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
That the precise prose of this account, and numerous other anecdotes, is written with the kind of titanic certainty that would sway a jury is expected; what’s surprising, however, is Crenshaw’s candor in revealing her vulnerability and disappointments.
—Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Verb
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
Coastal Mississippi is constantly surprising us, but one of its most delightful surprises is the fact that some of its beaches have white sand that rivals even Florida’s top spots.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
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More startling, though, was his passing.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
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The startling scale of detentions made Israel the third-worst jailer of journalists for 2025, behind only China and Myanmar, according to CPJ.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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His victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ferrari 499P Hypercar marked a new peak in his astonishing recovery from a life-changing rally crash in 2011.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
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The nomination is really a testament to the remarkable artists who brought the play to life—our astonishing director, Kenny Leon, our extraordinary ensemble of actors, our brilliant designers, and the tireless crew, along with everyone at MTC.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
5 May 2026
Verb
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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
-
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
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Israel’s offensive, which lasted just over a month, was largely seen as a success for Hezbollah, with the militant group holding off Israeli advances and ambushing troops in the south of the country.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But early polls have showed Schlossberg parlaying his Kennedy aura, name recognition and attention-grabbing social media chops into a shocking lead, with Bores also in the mix.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
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Six permanent outdoor works are dotted around the property, including a large rocket by Polish artist Goshka Macuga and a shocking pink tree, commissioned specifically for the island, by Pamela Rosenkranz.—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
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Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fitz also has some stiff competition in the attacking midfield.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
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Trump and his allies are attacking democracy itself, from the rights to protest and exist freely to the rights to fair jobs and livable wages.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
In these quietly stunning essays, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, the daughter of an Army veteran and a schoolteacher, looks back on her upbringing in Buckhannon, West Virginia.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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This popular, low-maintenance plant features stunning burgundy foliage and bright pink spring flowers.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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