Synonyms of unexpectedly

unexpectedly

adverb

as in suddenly

without warning

the snow started unexpectedly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suddenly
• abruptly
• unaware
• all of a sudden
• unawares
• aback
• off base
• unanticipatedly
• surprisingly
• short
• amazingly
• astoundingly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slowly
• sluggishly
• tardily
• leisurely
• obviously
• laggardly
• pokily

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unexpectedly

Before anyone could tap their heels on the floor and start the party, though, fire sprinklers went off unexpectedly in a nearby hotel room, forcing everyone to evacuate the building. — Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026

The spacecraft unexpectedly remained intact after splashdown in the Indian Ocean last month, prompting SpaceX officials to come up with an ad hoc plan to recover the vehicle. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

Based on David Nicholls’ bestselling book, the series stars Marnie (Foy) and Michael (Macfadyen), who unexpectedly fall in love when their mutual friend Cleo (Crome) brings a group together for a walking weekend in the UK’s Lake District. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

This offbeat con-man comedy pairs the director with Nicolas Cage, an actor who turns out to be an unexpectedly good fit for him. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Panettiere’s brother Jansen died unexpectedly at the age of 28 in 2023. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026

Jenna Bush Hager couldn’t help but get emotional while remembering an unexpectedly sweet comment made by her daughter, Poppy. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026

And Vanity Fair has unexpectedly found its way into Keeley’s life too. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026

But in the fifth inning, John Rave unexpectedly pinch-hit for Caglianone, who the Royals later announced had right ankle soreness. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026