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
Ditch your comfort zone and try something unexpected, like an all-white look or a sheer maxi that feels like freedom.
—
Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 26 May 2025
Sundae's final moments captured on video As condolences poured in, however, something a bit unexpected happened.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 26 May 2025
In the very short-term, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, predicts prices may even fall a little — provided there aren’t any unexpected outages at California refineries.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
Alexander Skarsgard Video: Getty Images A style star is born: Alexander Skarsgård proved to be one of the most unexpected fashion hits of the week, while promoting his new film, Pillion.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 26 May 2025
Sundae's final moments captured on video As condolences poured in, however, something a bit unexpected happened.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 26 May 2025
In the very short-term, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, predicts prices may even fall a little — provided there aren’t any unexpected outages at California refineries.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
Alexander Skarsgard Video: Getty Images A style star is born: Alexander Skarsgård proved to be one of the most unexpected fashion hits of the week, while promoting his new film, Pillion.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
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Written in Latin, the coroners' rolls are records of sudden or suspicious deaths as investigated by a jury of local men, called together by the coroner to establish facts and reach a verdict.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
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After Earps’ announcement, Wiegman was asked what her long-time goalkeeper’s sudden international retirement two months before a major tournament said about the unity of the team.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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