Synonyms for

Surprising

Verb / sɜ:ˈpraɪzɪŋ / / sʌˈpraɪzɪŋ / Another word for surprising — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing a feeling of surprise or astonishment

Synonyms & similar words

storm unsurprising surprise astonishing amazing unexpected startling astounding bewildering breathtaking impressive stunning shocking wonderful marvelous eye-opening jaw-dropping mind-blowing unforeseen unanticipated unpredicted unlooked-for striking

Synonyms by register

Formal

astonishing startling unexpected unforeseen

Informal

shocking mind-blowing out of the blue whoa

Literary

wondrous marvellous bewildering

Antonyms

expected predictable ordinary common usual routine unremarkable

Common collocations

  • quite surprising
  • very surprising
  • rather surprising
  • truly surprising
  • a surprising number
  • a surprising result
  • a surprising turn of events

Word family

noun surprise
verb surprise
adjective surprising
adverb surprisingly

Usage note

Often used to describe something that deviates from expectations. Can be positive or negative depending on context.

Example sentences

  1. It was surprising to see a rainbow after the storm.
  2. The surprise party was very surprising for the birthday girl.
  3. The magician's disappearing act was very surprising.
  4. It was surprising to see the flowers bloom in the winter.
  5. The sudden noise was surprising and scared the cat.

Quotes

  • The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That's funny...' - Isaac Asimov
  • It is not in the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit. - Denis Waitley
  • The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. - Malcolm X

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