1
as in startling
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the surprising news that they were going to have a baby had them rushing to buy nursery furniture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in astonishing
causing wonder or astonishment
it's surprising how much knowledge of physics the architects of those immense medieval cathedrals must have had
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also surprizing
1
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
I was very surprised when my parents offered to pay the down payment on our house
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in ambushing
to lie in wait for and attack by surprise
FBI agents surprised the counterfeiters in their own base of operations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of surprising
Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 5 June 2025
The source of Winter’s initial interest in the subject, however, is a little surprising.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 5 June 2025
Artzi also points out the machine’s stability—a surprising strong point, given its thinner 14-gauge steel.
—Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
The Cardinals certainly hope that’s the case, as their rotation has been a surprising strength.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
But there are no silver bullets or surprising strategies—the controllable risk factors are all the usual things doctors mention and that we’re told repeatedly are important for our overall health.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 5 June 2025
The source of Winter’s initial interest in the subject, however, is a little surprising.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 5 June 2025
Artzi also points out the machine’s stability—a surprising strong point, given its thinner 14-gauge steel.
—Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
The Cardinals certainly hope that’s the case, as their rotation has been a surprising strength.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
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At a news conference Thursday, Mayor Karen Bass made a startling claim.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2025
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What’s new and startling is the revelation that the Bar gave her a free pass by rejecting two previous complaints.—
The Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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This astonishing debut is a classic in the making, a story to be loved and appreciated for generations to come.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
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But now imagine going further still into the realm of the astonishing, and creating not just molecules that resemble naturally occurring ones, but their exact mirror images which are not naturally found anywhere on Earth.—
Eva Amsen,
JSTOR Daily,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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Here’s a look at his amazing performance. Notes . . .—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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Among the biggest highlights of the match were: Paul’s amazing springboard moonsault through the announce table, Truth’s unforgettable return and Rhodes pinning Cena.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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Tanja Caldwell designed the wonderful costumes for Mara Block Ali’s Netflix series, Forever.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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Though not a traditional kids’ movie by any stretch, there’s still a lot of wonderful Dignan-esque scheming involved in Mr. Fox (George Clooney) stealing from the adjoining farms of Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, and the film has the warmth of an old Rankin-Bass production.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Jung-bae wound up in a room of three, with Player 001 and some rando — but Player 001 choked the stranger to death in time to reduce their head count, shocking Jung-bae more than a bit.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
26 Dec. 2024
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Fox News Digital obtained shocking audio between Cyrus and his estranged wife where the country crooner is heard berating his Australian ex and using profane language.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Designed by the famed 18th-century landscape architect Capability Brown, the estate’s sprawling grounds and stunning interiors have lent their timeless elegance to countless productions.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
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Then, follow steep alleys up to Hvar’s medieval hilltop castle, looming high above the town below, for stunning views over the bay and Pakleni islands.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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Still, Maye was able to make a miraculous pass for the first down, throwing against the grain.—
Ted Nguyen,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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His time with Villa included the drop into the Championship and then an incredible return to European football.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
12 June 2025
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At this year’s Annecy Animation Festival, the series’ incredible run, which will extend beyond 40 seasons after a recent re-order, was celebrated with some of its key figures in attendance.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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