as in sudden
not expected
the failure of the backup generator was unexpected and a contingency for which we weren't prepared
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Recent Examples of unexpected
Addressing the tax issues also helps avoid tax reporting surprises when unexpected Forms 1099 arrive early the year after the settlement.
—
Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The economic recovery from COVID was far faster and stronger here than just about anywhere else, and this summer the Democrats—operating with unexpected efficiency—replaced Joe Biden with a far more telegenic, vital, and historic candidate in Kamala Harris.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
The dramatic battle for the presidency has been marked by chaos and a list of unexpected events.
—Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Her warning comes at a pivotal moment, as some state polls show unexpected shifts on the eve of Election Day.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unexpected 
Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The economic recovery from COVID was far faster and stronger here than just about anywhere else, and this summer the Democrats—operating with unexpected efficiency—replaced Joe Biden with a far more telegenic, vital, and historic candidate in Kamala Harris.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
The dramatic battle for the presidency has been marked by chaos and a list of unexpected events.
—Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Her warning comes at a pivotal moment, as some state polls show unexpected shifts on the eve of Election Day.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unexpected
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Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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