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
New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025
This is the zodiac sign that thinks outside the box, does things in unconventional ways, and according to the astrologer, loves anything with surprising function—such as this classic red candy.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025
Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Listed at 5-foot-9 and 210 pounds, Barnes has gotten most of the reps with the first-team offense, surprising some after he mostly was used as a power back in the spring.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
But researchers say your everyday allergy spray might have a surprising new role.
—New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025
This is the zodiac sign that thinks outside the box, does things in unconventional ways, and according to the astrologer, loves anything with surprising function—such as this classic red candy.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
After surprising the baseball world and reaching the playoffs last season, Kansas City has played well below that level in 2025.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Listed at 5-foot-9 and 210 pounds, Barnes has gotten most of the reps with the first-team offense, surprising some after he mostly was used as a power back in the spring.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
In his startling, sudden rise from making his pro debut at the High-A level in April, to his big league debut last week, Tolle has thrown 97 innings across 19 starts and one relief appearance in 2025.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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The most startling revelation is that a thought keyword could activate the computer.—
Jason Snyder,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The gains have been astonishing.—
Fred Imbert,Nick Wells,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Jessie Buckley is just astonishing.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The president has constantly mocked Powell on social media, and accused him of mismanaging renovations of the Fed’s headquarters, even ambushing the Fed chief with a new cost estimate for a facility renovation in front of rolling television cameras.—
Tobias Burns,
The Hill,
29 Aug. 2025
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Meanwhile, rogues’ daggers deal heavy damage when ambushing foes with a flurry of stamina-draining attacks.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The highlight of the weekend, aside from time with friends and family, was witnessing my buddy Brian get his first hole-in-one, which was amazing!—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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Most amazing, the entire Adobe Suite was still on the computer.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But if Julia’s delivery of her first child is about as wonderful as pushing a human out of your body can get — even the lighting is dreamy — her second child’s delivery is the exact opposite.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
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Morticia has this wonderful lighter look into the world as opposed to Wednesday.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The chemistry between Johnson & Blunt is genuine & touching, elevating the drama w/ shocking emotional depth.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
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This is shocking rhetoric even in 2025, when the far right has embraced race science and the federal government could be mistaken for pursuing the aims of the Proud Boys.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Five weeks after going public with a stunning 250% first-day pop, Figma is coming back down to Earth.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
4 Sep. 2025
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Players will visit stunning new locations, solve intricate puzzles, battle dangerous cultists, and encounter an epic new enemy in a classically thrilling Indiana Jones adventure.—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The book—or rather, the section of the book that covers the miraculous story of the school bus that McKay drove to safety after responding to an emergency call—became the basis of Greengrass’ movie co-written by Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby.—
Tomris Laffly,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
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The 22-year-old stole a miraculous, all-American hero set point against Adrian Mannarino and the crowd were up for it.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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