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

She became the first member of the Royal Family to convert to Catholicism since the Act of Settlement in 1701 - but that was not, perhaps, her most surprising decision.

From BBC

It’s not exactly surprising when you trace her career.

From Salon

The way the division race has been going, however, maybe that shouldn’t be so surprising.

From Los Angeles Times

The staggeringly rapid expansion of the drying regions was surprising even for the scientists.

From Los Angeles Times

The fact Real Madrid sign these players for nothing is not the surprising factor.

From BBC

Related Words

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