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

Wars erupt, crises develop, missions end and commanders are faced with unanticipated events to address. — James Laporta, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

The arrest and detention of domestic violence victims is, in part, an unanticipated consequence of an effort meant to keep them safe. — Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 14 Oct. 2026

To that point, Stockford, has had more than a few clients not measure a doorway or a corner stairwell in advance to make sure the piece can fit, which resulted in some unanticipated hurdles on moving day. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026

The eight-hour, first-time homebuyer course teaches the basics of all the hidden and unanticipated costs that come with purchasing a home, while a separate one-on-one session prepares buyers to understand basic bookkeeping and finance. — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Sep. 2026