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Synonyms

surprising

American  
[ser-prahy-zing, suh-] / sərˈpraɪ zɪŋ, sə- /

adjective

  1. causing surprise, wonder, or astonishment.

  2. unexpected.


surprising British  
/ səˈpraɪzɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing surprise; unexpected or amazing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • surprisingly adverb
  • surprisingness noun
  • unsurprising adjective

Etymology

Origin of surprising

First recorded in 1570–80; surprise + -ing 2

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.

Knowing which is which can save you a surprising amount of December stress.

From Salon

One surprising response wasn’t a complaint at all, but a compliment to L.A. drivers.

From Los Angeles Times

With one of the best midseason reveals in TV history, “Midnight Mass” has plenty of jump scares while exploring, with surprising delicacy, the need for, and perils of, religious faith.

From Los Angeles Times

But the ultimate factor is a mind that reconceives something so brilliantly that the result creates a higher level of perception and experience, surprising and inspiring us by its unexpected art.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Investigatory Powers Commissioner Sir Brian Leveson, who is overseeing the inquiry, said it was "surprising" that new material was being uncovered years after the case began.

From BBC