unexpected

adjective

un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd How to pronounce unexpected (audio)
Synonyms of unexpectednext
: not expected : unforeseen
unexpectedly adverb
unexpectedness noun

Synonyms

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Examples of unexpected in a Sentence

an unexpected turn of events I'm sad that she's leaving, but it was not unexpected.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pierson’s rise, powered in part by promoting her one-time net worth estimate from Forbes, almost led her into an unexpected deal… Forbes itself. — Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 When an unexpected request comes from a dissident singer in hiding, his solitude and routine is broken — and so is to an extent his passivity. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025 There have been some unexpected bumps along the way. — David Lyman, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025 The original movie was a modernized version of Jane Austen's Emma that depicted Cher setting out to help others fall in love, for her own benefit, then ending up finding romance herself in an unexpected place. — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unexpected

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unexpected was circa 1586

Phrases Containing unexpected

Rhymes for unexpected

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Browse Nearby Words

unexpectable
unexpected
unexpedient
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

unexpected

adjective
un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd How to pronounce unexpected (audio)
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly adverb
unexpectedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unexpected

Nglish: Translation of unexpected for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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