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
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
The consequences, and Emma's surprising secret, are sure to spark some real-life drama of their own.
—Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Apr. 2026
Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Interest from collectors nationwide surged after Bramer Auction & Realty shared photos online, driving bidding from $1,000 to a final sale price of $32,000, surprising its 91-year-old owner on her birthday.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Those reports can contain a surprising amount of personal and health information.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
The consequences, and Emma's surprising secret, are sure to spark some real-life drama of their own.
—Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
After surprising her mother, Madison continued to try on wedding dresses and eventually found the one.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Interest from collectors nationwide surged after Bramer Auction & Realty shared photos online, driving bidding from $1,000 to a final sale price of $32,000, surprising its 91-year-old owner on her birthday.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
Despite being debunked time and time again, a startling proportion of the public still hold onto these claims.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
1 Apr. 2026
-
There's a startling new plastic surgery trend.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Readers who approach this dense but astonishing book will laugh at how superficial that query seems in contrast to the mysteries of the universe.—
Bethanne Patrick,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Between those bookends lies an astonishing range of human activity scratched onto broken pottery.—
Ryan Brennan
April 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Grass lines in 8 to 15 feet of water make a perfect location for ambushing their prey and hiding from other predatory fish like muskies.—
Derek Horner,
Outdoor Life,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Rajabi was therefore reduced to meeting Khamenei by ambushing him after evening prayers in his compound.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Marin stuck to her plan of staying close until a moment that changed everything with shocking swiftness — her changing her mind and going for the green on the par-5 13th for a go-ahead birdie, and Talley adding to the sad history of collapses on the back nine at the home of the Masters.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Emma’s shocking admission rattles the entire wedding party, particularly Haim’s Rachel, whose cousin was left paralyzed by an act of gun violence.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The teams got invaluable data — and some wonderful video too.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Books Are Magic, a wonderful bookshop owned by novelist Emma Staub, alone could suck up an entire morning.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The adjective ‘brave’ should never be used in reference to a person attacking a dead person.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Trump reacted by attacking Springsteen over his physical appearance and urging his MAGA fanbase to boycott the tour.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The lobby is separated into small, lounge-like spaces, including a reception desk that’s tucked away in an alcove under a stunning sculpture of falling dandelions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Owls beat Tennessee in the Sweet 16 three years ago as part of a stunning run to the Final Four.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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