as in suddenly
without warning
the snow started unexpectedly
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Recent Examples of unexpectedly
For many performers, the path to the red suit begins unexpectedly.
—
Michael Cuviello, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
The special also revisited moments from past Bachelorette seasons when contestants unexpectedly walked away near the end of the journey.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
That team unexpectedly became only the second to win a league title with five games in five days before carrying that surge all the way to the sport’s biggest stage at the Final Four.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
College Street Pub on North College Street has an unexpectedly authentic British pub vibe, with fish and chips, bangers and mash, and other pub favorites.
—Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
This spring, structured and minimalist versions are positioned as an unexpectedly chic option to wear with midi skirts.
—René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2026
Sheeran also noted that two of his friends, music businessman Jamal Edwards and cricketer Shane Warne, died unexpectedly around the same time.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Mar. 2026
But in 2017, at the age of 51, Tan unexpectedly found global fame again — this time on Instagram.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Schmack continued to praise Cole Lockwood, who has somewhat unexpectedly started every VU game as a freshman.
—Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Michael Cuviello, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
The special also revisited moments from past Bachelorette seasons when contestants unexpectedly walked away near the end of the journey.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
That team unexpectedly became only the second to win a league title with five games in five days before carrying that surge all the way to the sport’s biggest stage at the Final Four.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
College Street Pub on North College Street has an unexpectedly authentic British pub vibe, with fish and chips, bangers and mash, and other pub favorites.
—Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
This spring, structured and minimalist versions are positioned as an unexpectedly chic option to wear with midi skirts.
—René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2026
Sheeran also noted that two of his friends, music businessman Jamal Edwards and cricketer Shane Warne, died unexpectedly around the same time.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Mar. 2026
But in 2017, at the age of 51, Tan unexpectedly found global fame again — this time on Instagram.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Schmack continued to praise Cole Lockwood, who has somewhat unexpectedly started every VU game as a freshman.
—Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpectedly
suddenly
Adverb
-
The Siena game, only 48 hours before, suddenly seemed like a long time ago.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Mar. 2026
-
When cruising along and suddenly pressing the accelerator to pass slower traffic, the response felt more subdued than expected from a 400-plus-horsepower luxury vehicle.—
Sponsored Content,
Denver Post,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unexpectedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpectedly. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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