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
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Recent Examples of surprising
Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
In many ways, the Fords were proto-Trumps, proving adept at turning private scandal into surprising public popularity.
—Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Rhodes secured a surprising roll-up victory at Backlash, but Lesnar evened the score at Night of Champions, forcing Rhodes to pass out with the Kimura Lock.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
The surprising answer has to do with the history of wet nursing, racial anxiety, and the cultural possibilities of breasts.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
The Common App Deadline Updates 2025 report reveals surprising shifts in applicant demographics, geographic distribution, and financial aid needs.
—Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
In many ways, the Fords were proto-Trumps, proving adept at turning private scandal into surprising public popularity.
—Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Rhodes secured a surprising roll-up victory at Backlash, but Lesnar evened the score at Night of Champions, forcing Rhodes to pass out with the Kimura Lock.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
The surprising answer has to do with the history of wet nursing, racial anxiety, and the cultural possibilities of breasts.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
Lilian did not mind telling the truth, but truths could be startling and leave people uneasy—spooked, Lilian called that state.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
-
As the cars ripped by on the track, the speed is startling, and almost doesn’t make sense.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
TikTok, despite facing regulatory scrutiny and bans in some countries, continues to grow at an astonishing pace, with over a billion active users worldwide.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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Of course, the design and insect environment is mainly a framework for astonishing circus acts.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Even just having a small role in a movie like that is amazing.—
Brian Davids,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Regardless of your political affiliation, one thing is certain in these uncertain times: an amazing array of beer is being brewed across the United States.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Flores was a wonderful mother and grandmother, Love said.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2025
-
His leadership by example, his accomplishments on the field, his love of family, his service to our community and his dedication to excellence all herald his standing as a remarkable athlete and wonderful human being.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
The stunning layer cake is perfect for spring celebrations.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Gavin Newsom makes stunning admission on Dems' dwindling support.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Like a goalkeeper, who can be 40 minutes without touching the ball and suddenly has to make an almost miraculous intervention.—
Sam Lee,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
-
And not just the miraculous match-up of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton, struggling to hold onto their Montana ranch until their troubled He-Man of a nephew Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) can come home to help, though that figures heavily.—
Matt Brennan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Under three pounds is extremely impressive for a two-person backpacking tent, and this setup manages to offer incredible weight reduction at a budget price.—
Alice Bennett,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Mar. 2025
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This tech — along with the incredible support system of my parents, brothers, management team and eventually, my wife — significantly decreased the mental burden of managing my diabetes and in turn, empowered me to not let diabetes define my capabilities.—
Nick Jonas,
USA TODAY,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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