unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: not expected : unforeseen
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of unexpected in a Sentence
an unexpected turn of events
I'm sad that she's leaving, but it was not unexpected.
Recent Examples on the Web
Allow vines to climb to unexpected areas and create dense plantings that make a yard look established.
—
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025
Fictional superhero Helen Parr, better known as Elastigirl from The Incredibles (2004), has become an unexpected body inspiration on social media.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Both forged strong reputations over their years in the Palace academy but, barring an unexpected change of heart from Derry, neither will be at Palace come the summer.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Things take a turn when their estranged conservative father re-enters their lives—forcing them into an unexpected collision of ideals, activism, and family dysfunction.
—Peter White, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unexpected 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025
Fictional superhero Helen Parr, better known as Elastigirl from The Incredibles (2004), has become an unexpected body inspiration on social media.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Both forged strong reputations over their years in the Palace academy but, barring an unexpected change of heart from Derry, neither will be at Palace come the summer.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Things take a turn when their estranged conservative father re-enters their lives—forcing them into an unexpected collision of ideals, activism, and family dysfunction.
—Peter White, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unexpected
Dictionary Entries Near unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share