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

Either there was a layoff at 55 to 60 years old, unanticipated health issues, or others. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 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

There were also unanticipated consequences in Saudi Arabia, where the monarchy used the great oil wealth created to promote a puritanical, fundamentalist version of Islam. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 23 May 2026