surprisingly
Americanadverb
-
in a way that causes a feeling of wonder or astonishment.
The artist creates works that are both approachable and surprisingly sophisticated.
-
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.
Investment inflows at Ares’ European funds were surprisingly strong in the March quarter, said CEO Michael Arougheti on the recent earnings call.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
Speaking to the BBC, she called her Eurovision experience "surprisingly beautiful".
From BBC • May 14, 2026
After a surprisingly quick negotiation with the film and TV studios, the members of the Writers Guild of America have officially ratified a new four-year contract.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
There are surprisingly few contraindications to oral estradiol, and women can talk to their doctors to see if this is an option.
From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026
It had to do with both aliens and yoga and was surprisingly addictive, but Twig refused to play it.
From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
