surprisingly
Americanadverb
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in a way that causes a feeling of wonder or astonishment.
The artist creates works that are both approachable and surprisingly sophisticated.
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in a way that is seen as unlikely or unexpected.
Despite its geographic isolation and small population, Reykjavik is surprisingly cosmopolitan.
The phone has an impressive array of features, and yet is surprisingly affordable.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of surprisingly
Explanation
When something happens in a way that amazes you, use the adverb surprisingly, like when you find the kids at your new school to be surprisingly friendly. If a situation is surprising, it is completely unexpected — and you can say that it happens surprisingly. You might discover that the day is surprisingly warm, and you don't need your furry hat after all; or you may realize that college is surprisingly difficult after you breezed through high school. The French root word is surprise, "a taking unawares," which comes from surprendre, "to overtake." Surprisingly is surprisingly old, dating from the 1600's.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The interactions between subject and poet can be surprisingly intimate.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026
South Carolina, another state where polls close early, has a Senate election that has become surprisingly close.
From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2026
Chief among them is that the company’s smartphone business has been surprisingly resilient during an anemic period for the market.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026
We’ve already accepted a surprisingly elaborate set of conditions for saving money on groceries.
From Salon ● Nov. 2, 2026
Not surprisingly, though there were only twenty-eight rooms to let, the hotel always had at least a handful of vacancies.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
