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
What’s maybe most unexpected, though, is the strengths Erivo brings as a lyricist, conceptualist and even a song sequencer.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 6 June 2025
Ten years later, Jamie Wyeth remains not only my favorite artist but a rather unexpected style muse for his unapologetically unique dress sense.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
The 'Phoenician Scheme' star shared the dramatic airport incident during an appearance on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers'
Benicio del Toro had a dramatic run-in with TSA for an unexpected — but very understandable — reason.
—Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 5 June 2025
However, their relationship takes an unexpected turn when Claire shows up on Kate’s doorstep, hysterical and covered in someone else’s blood.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Chris Willman, Variety, 6 June 2025
Ten years later, Jamie Wyeth remains not only my favorite artist but a rather unexpected style muse for his unapologetically unique dress sense.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
The 'Phoenician Scheme' star shared the dramatic airport incident during an appearance on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers'
Benicio del Toro had a dramatic run-in with TSA for an unexpected — but very understandable — reason.
—Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 5 June 2025
However, their relationship takes an unexpected turn when Claire shows up on Kate’s doorstep, hysterical and covered in someone else’s blood.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
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Written in Latin, the coroners' rolls are records of sudden or suspicious deaths as investigated by a jury of local men, called together by the coroner to establish facts and reach a verdict.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
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After Earps’ announcement, Wiegman was asked what her long-time goalkeeper’s sudden international retirement two months before a major tournament said about the unity of the team.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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