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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of surprising
Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
Newsweek spoke to one of the lead researchers, Yoshinori Takei, about the study, which revealed that a specific type of belly fat (called visceral fat) plays a surprising role in brain health.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Top 5 Women: Keke Palmer’s Chanel Became a Great Story
None of the women in the Power Ranking’s top five should be considered surprising: Gomez, Erivo, Anderson and Ariana Grande each captured considerable attention for their SAG Awards style choices.
—Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
This luxury resort, set in the tranquil countryside, is your gateway to surprising epicurean adventures as well.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Adjective
Even accounting for their unconventional backgrounds, their appointments are surprising.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
Newsweek spoke to one of the lead researchers, Yoshinori Takei, about the study, which revealed that a specific type of belly fat (called visceral fat) plays a surprising role in brain health.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Top 5 Women: Keke Palmer’s Chanel Became a Great Story
None of the women in the Power Ranking’s top five should be considered surprising: Gomez, Erivo, Anderson and Ariana Grande each captured considerable attention for their SAG Awards style choices.
—Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
This luxury resort, set in the tranquil countryside, is your gateway to surprising epicurean adventures as well.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surprising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surprising
Adjective
-
Joel Embiid continues to be out, Paul George has been a startling disappointment, and a remarkable 17 different players have been in the starting lineup through 57 games.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The startling manner of the White House announcement distracts from this long history.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
This contradicts the classic anthropomorphic analogies of Disney’s Pinocchio and Dumbo, as well as The Little Prince, The Iron Giant, Babe and Babe: Pig in the City, and Zack Snyder’s astonishing Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’hoole.—
Armond White,
National Review,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Nvidia's astonishing market ride rests on the assumption that AI will be the tech industry's next universal platform and that demand for AI products and services will be massive.—
Scott Rosenberg,
Axios,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones, now $117 off, deliver amazing sound, top-notch noise cancellation, and a 60-hour battery life.—
Shubham Yewale,
PCMAG,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Artistic director Adam Burke brought together an amazing team to work on the play.—
Lisa Vernon Sparks,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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So actually, the story can be looked at as a celebration of the fact that your disability can just be one wonderful part of you.—
Esme Mazzeo,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2025
-
And if your neighborhood doesn’t, start one! Start a Book or Card Club There’s so many wonderful books out there just waiting to be discussed.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
3 Mar. 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
-
Thousands gather to witness the 180,000 lights illuminate the district in a stunning display.—
Monty Davis,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Mazatlán is part of the Mexican Riviera, with stunning beaches, booming tourism, and rich cultural heritage.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, in order to help Ao Bing’s soul recover his tangible body, Ne Zha will have to hide his identity as a demon, overcome multiple obstacles to become an immortal, and obtain a miraculous elixir to aid his pal.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
2 Mar. 2025
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Over the past 50 years, medicine has made miraculous advances in treating leukemia and other cancers affecting kids, largely due to research supported by the National Institutes of Health.—
Benjamin Mazer,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The group has scored an incredible six No. 1 hits on the Hot 100, which certifies the South Korean stars as among the most commercially successful acts of the past decade.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
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While that age cutoff might seem young, ATCs must have incredible physical stamina and mental sharpness, McCormick said.—
Holly Yan,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surprising. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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