Synonyms of unexpected

unexpected

adjective

ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 

as in sudden

not expected

the failure of the backup generator was unexpected and a contingency for which we weren't prepared

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unexpected

In the 1960s, Amy Morris was at home in Charlotte when her husband, Philip, called with an unexpected business idea. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026

For veterinary practice owners who want flexible access to working capital for ongoing expenses, unexpected costs or growth opportunities, Bluevine offers a revolving business line of credit of up to $250,000. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

Earlier this month, the French mountain sports brand teamed up with Free People’s activewear brand FP Movement to reimagine the XT-6 and XT-Whisper in unexpected colorways. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Nathaniel Philbrick weaves this complex story into a seamless and compelling narrative of the ways that this unexpected discovery transformed America at the same time that the country hurtled toward the Civil War. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026