as in suddenly
without warning
the snow started unexpectedly
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Recent Examples of unexpectedly
The pair first meet at karaoke on New Year's Eve, and reunite when Gabriella unexpectedly transfers to East High — and the unlikely duo audition for the school musical, shaking up the drama and athletics departments.
—
Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, crypto markets faced an additional headwind as key legislation for the industry, known as the Clarity Act, became stalled after industry giant Coinbase unexpectedly withdrew its support late last week.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026
During the pandemic, former creative director Daniel Lee unexpectedly exited the house in 2021, after turning the business around through his fresh approach to craft.
—Maliha Shoaib, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026
Just Monday, the Bills unexpectedly fired longtime coach Sean McDermott, but even that did not dissuade Miami’s intentions.
—Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2026
Born as Bruce Church, Bruce Bruce is a Atlanta native whose impetus to explore a stand-up career came unexpectedly from a job as a Frito Lay salesman.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Jan. 2026
What random day felt unexpectedly perfect?
—Cheryl Russell, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026
End with something unexpectedly human that sticks in their memory.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
The result feels cozy, romantic, and unexpectedly modern.
—Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 17 Jan. 2026
Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, crypto markets faced an additional headwind as key legislation for the industry, known as the Clarity Act, became stalled after industry giant Coinbase unexpectedly withdrew its support late last week.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026
During the pandemic, former creative director Daniel Lee unexpectedly exited the house in 2021, after turning the business around through his fresh approach to craft.
—Maliha Shoaib, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026
Just Monday, the Bills unexpectedly fired longtime coach Sean McDermott, but even that did not dissuade Miami’s intentions.
—Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2026
Born as Bruce Church, Bruce Bruce is a Atlanta native whose impetus to explore a stand-up career came unexpectedly from a job as a Frito Lay salesman.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Jan. 2026
What random day felt unexpectedly perfect?
—Cheryl Russell, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026
End with something unexpectedly human that sticks in their memory.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
The result feels cozy, romantic, and unexpectedly modern.
—Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 17 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 23 Jan. 2026.
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