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
Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025
The surprising order impacts the lottery immensely, as Dallas moving up reduces one spot in the middle of the lottery for a potential point guard to be selected, possibly resulting in that position cascading down the board a bit.
—Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The afternoon’s ceasefire is all the more surprising given the intensity of this morning’s fighting.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
But one of Walters' loudest and most surprising critics is conservative Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who first met Walters at a tennis match and helped launch his political career.
—Shanelle Kaul, CBS News, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Would not be surprising to see Thomas claim his third PGA Championship.
—Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025
The surprising order impacts the lottery immensely, as Dallas moving up reduces one spot in the middle of the lottery for a potential point guard to be selected, possibly resulting in that position cascading down the board a bit.
—Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The afternoon’s ceasefire is all the more surprising given the intensity of this morning’s fighting.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
But one of Walters' loudest and most surprising critics is conservative Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who first met Walters at a tennis match and helped launch his political career.
—Shanelle Kaul, CBS News, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
Alfredo Tejada makes a startling company debut as a ferociously frightening Ramón Ruiz Alonso, who arrests Lorca.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2025
-
The Democratic Party is grappling with questions over its political direction following the startling loss of all three branches of government during the 2024 elections.—
Isabella Murray,
ABC News,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
These mother-child relationships are wonderfully portrayed, but one of the series’ most astonishing details is Justin’s relationship with his father, Eric (Wood Harris).—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
8 May 2025
-
Americans are accustomed to U.S. companies delivering astonishing innovations with regularity, including the iPhone, cloud computing, the Tesla Model S, and ChatGPT.—
L. RAFAEL REIF,
Foreign Affairs,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
With some of the most history, art, and culture in the world packed into this small country, as well as amazing food and wine, this is a culture vulture’s paradise.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
Dominic Solanke works exceptionally hard but 15 goals in 42 appearances is not an amazing return from their club-record £65m striker.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Its deep, shiny green foliage is a wonderful complement to the perfectly peachy hue of each rose.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2025
-
And now more people can experience this wonderful adventure on Netflix starting May 15, 2025.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
On Sunday night, Brennand will be the recipient of the Kering and Festival du Cannes 2025 Women in Motion Emerging Talent Award because of the stunning achievement that Manas is.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
18 May 2025
-
On March 15, 2024, a solar flare and an accompanying CME led to stunning auroras across the solar system, including on Mars.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
Revival — Premieres Thursday, June 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin, the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2025
-
That Jia could make anything out of that flotsam and jetsam is astonishing, but his ability to not only recreate those time frames but craft all of it into a woozy, free-floating memory piece is miraculous.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
With their incredible skill to adapt to most climates and locations, foxes are widespread across all continents except Antarctica, and there are more than 30 species globally.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
-
At the end of December 2022, Heine reflected on her incredible year with a heartfelt post on Instagram.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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