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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unexpected
Earlier this week, Sandy took an unexpected fledge after losing her balance and tumbling down the nest tree.
—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
2 July 2026
Whether the goal is a romantic match, a new friend group or, as Yim discovered, an unexpected knitting group, the format is built for whatever kind of in-person connection shows up.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
2 July 2026
Markets, meanwhile, are entering the second half with a familiar winner but an unexpected geographic twist.
—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
Two hundred and fifty years later, as artificial intelligence reshapes the practice of law and prompts questions about the future of the profession, the nation's founding offers an unexpected answer.
—
Joseph Andrew,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
2 July 2026
Whether the goal is a romantic match, a new friend group or, as Yim discovered, an unexpected knitting group, the format is built for whatever kind of in-person connection shows up.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
2 July 2026
Markets, meanwhile, are entering the second half with a familiar winner but an unexpected geographic twist.
—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
Two hundred and fifty years later, as artificial intelligence reshapes the practice of law and prompts questions about the future of the profession, the nation's founding offers an unexpected answer.
—
Joseph Andrew,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
-
Small Holes One sign of snakes in your garden could be the sudden appearance of small holes that could be about the size of a small coin, or up to two inches.
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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