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
James Mercadante, EW.com, 23 July 2025
In a surprising turn, top economist Mohamed El-Erian has broken with convention among financial leaders by publicly calling for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to resign.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 July 2025
South Carolina: The most surprising collection of players who could become the best in the country.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Most stories have a surprising amount of drama before finding the right approach.
—Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
And the only thing more surprising than his agreeing to do the role was his character's shocking surrender to death at the end of the second act.
—James Mercadante, EW.com, 23 July 2025
In a surprising turn, top economist Mohamed El-Erian has broken with convention among financial leaders by publicly calling for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to resign.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 July 2025
South Carolina: The most surprising collection of players who could become the best in the country.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Most stories have a surprising amount of drama before finding the right approach.
—Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
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This was a startling rebuke to those who have argued for years that Syria should avert another dictatorship by conferring greater power on local authorities.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
18 July 2025
-
The startling discovery was made Wednesday, July 16, at House of Refuge beach, about a 105-mile drive north from Miami.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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Her astonishing haul has left some speculating that Ocasio-Cortez may be eyeing higher office, whether a seat in the Senate or a White House run in 2028.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
19 July 2025
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Millennial spending rose 10%, while Gen Z cardholders grew their spend at a somewhat astonishing 40% (albeit from a smaller base).—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
But to say Destiny’s Child gave me the green light is amazing.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
14 July 2025
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The shoes have amazing cushioning that provides serious support, which was ideal for long walks in Athens.—
Alexis Benveniste,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.—
Brad Schmitt,
The Tennessean,
26 July 2025
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Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Verb
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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
-
From a white sand cliff in Denmark to a coastal region in West Africa, the list includes stunning and important destinations.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
-
Having signed for Fiorentina in the summer of 2018, his first 18 months at the Stadio Artemio Franchi were – outside of the stunning solo goal against Inter shown below – not particularly noteworthy.—
Adam Digby,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Osbourne’s public rebirth with The Osbournes—the MTV reality series that ran from 2002 to 2005—transmuted his erratic nature and past struggles into a miraculous joke.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
23 July 2025
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The original statue in Manila was brought to the Philippines in 1606 and faithful around the world have attributed miraculous healing properties to the statue.—
Emilie Takahashi,
Oc Register,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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It’s been an incredible year for gaming in just the first six months, with the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (93), Blue Prince (92), Split Fiction (91) and Death Stranding 2 (89).—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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This is an incredible honor, and an awesome responsibility.—
Sharon DeVivo,
New York Daily News,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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