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
Jordan Moreau, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
And speaking of monologues, Carrie Coon’s surprising final sentiment has to be one of the finale’s pinnacles.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2025
Giamatti’s casting in Downton Abbey 3 is a bit surprising, even to the actor himself.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025
That’s precisely where the most surprising discoveries are made and the greatest satisfaction is derived.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Out of all the characters, however, the Moo Moo Meadows cow went viral online for its surprising inclusion in the roster.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
And speaking of monologues, Carrie Coon’s surprising final sentiment has to be one of the finale’s pinnacles.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2025
Giamatti’s casting in Downton Abbey 3 is a bit surprising, even to the actor himself.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025
That’s precisely where the most surprising discoveries are made and the greatest satisfaction is derived.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
Along with the physical camouflage and protection, it is thought to be effective in startling predators such as the wasp caught on film, giving both caterpillars and hummingbird hatchlings a greater chance of survival.—
Elizabeth Rayne,
ArsTechnica,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, those who have been paying attention have watched something startling.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Musk is an astonishing $147 billion richer this year.—
Roy Canivel,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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That this change is reportedly being considered when Republicans hold a trifecta makes the whole thing more astonishing.—
The Editors,
National Review,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Just imagine the potpourri of amazing facial expressions that would have been on display had Sai been sitting on the jury.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Who would have thought that Donald Trump would be the one to stop Tesla's amazing international sales run in its tracks?—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.—
Alex Vance,
Parents,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
The stunning move may have repercussions on hundreds of other international students who have been targeted by the administration.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt then said Tuesday that Trump’s threats of even higher tariffs on China will become reality after midnight, when imports from China will be taxed at a stunning 104% rate.—
Time,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That the 29-year-old was present, let alone capable of leading the celebrations, was nothing short of miraculous.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
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These days, the Hall of Famer is forging a new, post-football path. ➤ Barry Sanders: Lions turnaround has been 'miraculous': Speaking of 1990s pro football icons, Sanders' electrifying runs filled highlight reels.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Munn: These are people who have incredible wealth and are crumbling in front of your eyes.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
-
De Bruyne produced chances, goals and memorable moments at an incredible, unerring rate over 10 trophy-laden seasons at City.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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