unexpected

adjective

ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd How to pronounce unexpected (audio)
Definition of unexpectednext
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unexpected Each El Niño seems to include some unexpected results, especially regarding where droughts and floods appear. — Steven Paton, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026 That leaves no federal mechanism for creating public visibility into serious failures, misuse, or unexpected behavior involving frontier models. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 Finding one in Nebraska is especially rare and unexpected, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab said on Facebook. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026 When an agent does something unexpected, everyone asks whether the agent did the right thing. — Beth Miller, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
  • The scene cuts to Sally and Gillian, who both come to a sudden awareness of Franny’s ultimate act of selflessness.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The administration’s justification for these orders is a statute that allows the Department of Energy (DOE) to declare an emergency in the case of wartime or a sudden shortfall in generation.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of sudden

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unexotic
unexpected
unexpectedly
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Cite this Entry

“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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