as in sudden
not expected
the failure of the backup generator was unexpected and a contingency for which we weren't prepared
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Recent Examples of unexpected
However, thematically and stylistically this is of a piece with its predecessors’ interest in dysfunctional families, troubled teens and tweens (once again directed with skill by Omerzu), and unexpected narrative diversions and surprises.
—
Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Based on Denis Johnson’s beloved novella, Train Dreams is the portrait of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railroad worker who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly changing America of the early 20th Century.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
And while the sadness is real, Jones said this new chapter has brought some unexpected freedoms.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
The reality is that government services operate on a limited basis in a shutdown and can have unexpected consequences the longer a standoff goes on.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Based on Denis Johnson’s beloved novella, Train Dreams is the portrait of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railroad worker who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly changing America of the early 20th Century.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
And while the sadness is real, Jones said this new chapter has brought some unexpected freedoms.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
The reality is that government services operate on a limited basis in a shutdown and can have unexpected consequences the longer a standoff goes on.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
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To judge from the sudden and rapid infiltration of artificial intelligence into every corner of our daily lives, these wishes are coming true.—
Gary Greenberg,
New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2025
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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