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.
While nothing horrible or scandalous went down, each of the various storylines ended with something startling or unexpected. — Erik Kain, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Although Rose had been more than 80 years old, her death was completely unexpected. — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, in 1943, while Civita’s version of the book was taking shape, Steinberg, posted overseas, discovered new and unexpected artistic territory. — Françoise Mouly, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 Grease tends to drip or fly around in unexpected ways, especially if your oven has a convection or air fryer fan. — Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 16 Mar. 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 26 Mar. 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

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