surprising

[ser-prahy-zing, suh-]

adjective

1. causing surprise, wonder, or astonishment.

2. unexpected.

surprising

/ səˈpraɪzɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing surprise; unexpected or amazing

Other Word Forms

• surprisingly adverb
• unsurprising adjective
• surprisingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of surprising¹

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

Example Sentences

It’s not surprising that robot demos seldom show humans interacting closely with walking robots.

From Los Angeles Times

"Despite the delay, we've been encouraged by a surprising influx of new interest in recent weeks - a strong signal that our shared dream is very much alive," VCL's website reads.

From BBC

Safdie has again created a surprising opportunity for his star to charge through.

From Los Angeles Times

With the same first name as the last Aztec emperor, it’s not surprising that Cuauhtémoc Ortega chose to be a fighter.

From Los Angeles Times

“Not surprising that it’s long been targeted for censorship.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amazing 
• astonishing 
• extraordinary 
• remarkable 
• shocking 
• startling 
• stunning 
• sudden 
• unanticipated 
• unforeseen 
• unpredictable 
• wonderful