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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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.
Recent Examples of unexpected In this case, Turano added that Koa was most likely surprised by the new noise or unexpected sensation of the kick. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 Then, Garcia got an unexpected call from Royals manager Matt Quatraro. Kansas City Star, 12 July 2025 Prince Harry has reportedly had an unexpected and well-acquainted relationship with this Hollywood A-lister. Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 12 July 2025 For Stalter, a stand-up comedian who became a go-to scene stealer on Hacks, Too Much proved to be an unexpected gift from Dunham, who wrote the female protagonist with Stalter’s voice in mind after discovering her videos on TikTok. Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpected
sudden
Adjective
  • The tragedy in Ruidoso highlights growing concerns about increasingly intense weather systems striking communities with little time to prepare for sudden surges of water.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • In one particularly raw moment, a woman studying the photographs let out a sudden shriek.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpected. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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