Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for unexpectedness. Search instead for unexpected surprises.

unexpectedness

American  
[uhn-ik-spekt-id-nis] / ˌʌn ɪkˈspɛkt ɪd nɪs /

noun

  1. the quality of something that one does not expect or foresee; surprise or suddenness.


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.

“There’s so much unexpectedness to it that as an improviser, it really keeps you in the moment.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

One quality Sheen’s truth-blitz has in its favor, besides its unexpectedness, is Sheen’s relative absence for most of the past decade.

From Salon • Sep. 12, 2025

Though she operates from a sophisticated intellectual background, he said, she’s ultimately interested in common experience — the unexpectedness of which leaves its imprint on her writing.

From New York Times • Sep. 2, 2021

That’s the unexpectedness of “Dave,” a breakout hit of the coronavirus pandemic when people wanted — needed — to find a reason to laugh in 2020.

From Washington Post • Jun. 9, 2021

“Hold a moment,” Buttercup said, still shaken by the unexpectedness of what had happened.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman