as in suddenly
without warning
the snow started unexpectedly
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Recent Examples of unexpectedly
The Miami Hurricanes are at home, while the entire state of Indiana – save for some in West Lafayette – is content to abandon their homes to enjoy this unexpectedly stupefying playoff march.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Zannaki Pill Organizer Having to check a bag unexpectedly is another common occurrence while boarding, and one that causes many passengers to panic.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
There were unexpectedly funny moments — and there’s no denying that Reinemer, Kessler and Hall have natural charm, but overall this was more frantic than fulfilling.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Trinidad unexpectedly moved into the starting lineup after the starter quarterback was injured and has since helped the Rebels become a contender in the 2025 college football playoffs, per Grand Rapids Magazine.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Anna returns unexpectedly after a year’s absence, during which she was replaced as the face of the network by Lexy (Rebecca Rittenhouse, bad, but not her fault).
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
The lathering experience was unexpectedly perfect.
—Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Bloomberg News has reported extensively on modern door systems losing power unexpectedly, including after crashes.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
The unexpectedly tender and touching friendship that forms between them breaks both men open, prompting them to reflect on their memories, regrets, and the possibility of redemption.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Zannaki Pill Organizer Having to check a bag unexpectedly is another common occurrence while boarding, and one that causes many passengers to panic.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
There were unexpectedly funny moments — and there’s no denying that Reinemer, Kessler and Hall have natural charm, but overall this was more frantic than fulfilling.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Trinidad unexpectedly moved into the starting lineup after the starter quarterback was injured and has since helped the Rebels become a contender in the 2025 college football playoffs, per Grand Rapids Magazine.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Anna returns unexpectedly after a year’s absence, during which she was replaced as the face of the network by Lexy (Rebecca Rittenhouse, bad, but not her fault).
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
The lathering experience was unexpectedly perfect.
—Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Bloomberg News has reported extensively on modern door systems losing power unexpectedly, including after crashes.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
The unexpectedly tender and touching friendship that forms between them breaks both men open, prompting them to reflect on their memories, regrets, and the possibility of redemption.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpectedly
suddenly
Adverb
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The individuals were then spotted by security cameras attempting to leave through an emergency exit door while carrying numerous bags, before suddenly pivoting toward a flight of stairs and running up to the floor above.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The return of Matthews the Superstar Auston Matthews is suddenly on pace for 44 goals after scoring for the seventh time in the last five games.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unexpectedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpectedly. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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