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
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025
The Buffalo Bills will be losing one of their star players, as All-Pro safety Micah Hyde has announced his surprising retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
However, his answer was simultaneously not surprising because the Vultures artist had unsuccessfully attempted to take the Toronto superstar in the past.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 4 Feb. 2025
Researchers described it as a surprising and novel finding because traces of Roman activity at the site were previously considered scarce.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for surprising 
Adjective
There’s a version of this story that finds complexity and surprising heart in the concept, but Kinda Pregnant prefers to stay on the surface.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025
The Buffalo Bills will be losing one of their star players, as All-Pro safety Micah Hyde has announced his surprising retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
However, his answer was simultaneously not surprising because the Vultures artist had unsuccessfully attempted to take the Toronto superstar in the past.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 4 Feb. 2025
Researchers described it as a surprising and novel finding because traces of Roman activity at the site were previously considered scarce.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
And, in legal depositions, Ou and his deputies would soon make startling admissions about how his business really works.—
Jesse Coburn,
Curbed,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Duck hunters in the Land of Enchantment received a startling health advisory from the New Mexico Department of Health Monday.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The astonishing 24-minute birth scene—in which her anxious excitement gives way to confusion and horror—will leave you reeling.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
1 Feb. 2025
-
The sensation has averaged 24.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and an astonishing 3.9 blocks per game this season.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In Super Bowl history, only three have players have participated in at least six games, led by Tom Brady with an amazing 10.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
8 Feb. 2025
-
The women delivered their high-energy 2020 set in Miami, showing off their amazing dance moves and musical talents — including a special cameo from Lopez's daughter, Emme Maribel, who was 11 at the time.—
Diane J. Cho,
People.com,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
This is a debut entry and a wonderful term that’s new to me.—
Caitlin Lovinger,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Tucci hosts the popular Tucci - The Heart of Italy show which tours the country sampling and celebrating the wonderful food that originates there.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
8 Feb. 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
-
Hours later, from the Oval Office, Trump signed a stunning executive order that granted pardons to more than fifteen hundred individuals who had been convicted of crimes linked to the violent Capitol riot four years ago.—
Tess Owen,
The New Yorker,
30 Jan. 2025
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Thanks to the twin blowers, the Vantage’s engine pounded out a stunning 550 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Prime Video's popular superhero show, which releases Thursday February 6, 2025 at 12am Pacific Time (PT) on the streaming service, has once again achieved the miraculous score of a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
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Completing the Life Time Miami Half-Marathon is an achievement for anyone but for Farouk Gomati, crossing the finish line Sunday will mark the culmination of an 11-year journey that is nothing short of miraculous.—
Ethan Mannello,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The monastery is especially known for its incredible wall hangings and a cache of artifacts associated with centuries of Rinchen Zangpo’s reborn earthly form.—
Shoshi Parks,
Smithsonian Magazine,
31 Jan. 2025
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The couple were incredible parents who created a loving home for their two children, the cousins said.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC News,
31 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near surprising
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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