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.
Reynolds, 34, seems surprisingly relaxed considering today marks the final two performances of “1536,” a play she’s been starring in at the Ambassadors Theatre since early May.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
"Osprey parents are surprisingly tender despite their large size and sharp talons," Maclauchlan said.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
"These signs reveal a surprisingly structured, geometric way of thinking," says Silvia Ferrara, Professor at the University of Bologna's Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies, who coordinated the study.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 9, 2026
Clothes in this price range are selling surprisingly well because they are delivering “style, newness and quality” at a sweet spot that isn’t quite luxury-level pricing, according to Kristen Classi-Zummo, apparel-industry analyst at Circana.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
I grab a really cool-looking ax—which is surprisingly light—and give it a couple swings.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
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.
