surprising

[ ser-prahy-zing, suh- ]

adjective

1. causing surprise, wonder, or astonishment.
2. unexpected.

surprising

/ səˈpraɪzɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing surprise; unexpected or amazing

Derived Forms

• surˈprisingness, noun
• surˈprisingly, adverb

Other Words From

• sur·pris·ing·ly adverb
• un·sur·pris·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of surprising¹

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

Example Sentences

"They have two mental health beds available at any one time for members of Parliament. And it's surprising how often they're occupied."

From BBC

Nothing much happens by way of action, yet unspoken tensions simmer under the surface, and by the movie’s surprising end, you sense that a tremendous transformation has quietly taken place.

From New York Times

“This should not be surprising given that children from better-off groups in India have access to more calories and face a better disease environment,” the authors say.

From BBC

The latest in Trump’s series of controversial nominations is surprising but not entirely unexpected.

From Salon

Clement Cuthbertson, a DUP councillor for Mid Ulster, said the figures "mightn't be considered that surprising given that Mid Ulster has so many rural roads and important trunk roads that constantly need maintenance".

From BBC

Related Words

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