Synonyms of unanticipated

unanticipated

adjective

ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd 

as in sudden

not expected

ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sudden
• unexpected
• unforeseen
• abrupt
• unlooked-for
• unlikely
• unintended
• unplanned
• improbable
• startling
• surprising

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• anticipated
• foreseen
• expected
• predicted
• prophesied
• unsurprising

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unanticipated

What risks could arise from blind spots or unanticipated changes in the environment? — Jim Deloach, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

In a statement to the Idaho Statesman, Crapo remained optimistic that the housing bill would become law despite the president’s unanticipated delay. — Mark Dee june 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2026

Meanwhile, many museums are in serious financial straits, reckoning with the fiscal burden of optimistic expansions and unanticipated increases in operating costs. — Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026

Just as the backrooms set design added to the movie’s jump-scare effect, the real world’s design added an unanticipated comedic one. — Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 2 June 2026