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

That tactic has paid off in a number of surprising places, including the supreme courts of Oklahoma and North Dakota.

From Slate

Long story short here, television readiness appears to be priority No. 1 for these folks—perhaps not surprising given that, according to Axios, Trump’s Cabinet selection process involves watching clips of different candidates’ appearances on television.

From Slate

They also create an environment for surprising new discoveries, things scientists would never have dreamed of had they not been in the lab, conducting basic research.

From Slate

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

“The idea that we have a child, a teenager, who is seriously ill from this virus is just really an utter tragedy. But sadly, it’s not surprising, given everything we’ve known about H5N1 and its potential to cause illness.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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