unexpected

1 of 2

adjective

un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd How to pronounce unexpected (audio)
Synonyms of unexpectednext
: not expected : unforeseen
unexpected consequences/results
Drivers must be prepared to deal with the unexpected. [=things that happen unexpectedly]
unexpectedly adverb
unexpectedness noun

unexpectedness

2 of 2

noun

un·​ex·​pect·​ed·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being unexpected
the unexpectedness of the warm welcome

Synonyms of unexpected

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Adjective

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Examples of unexpected in a Sentence

Adjective an unexpected turn of events I'm sad that she's leaving, but it was not unexpected.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
For King, this wasn’t her big return from suffering a cardiac event, which happened earlier this spring, but a return from a second unexpected setback — the 21-year-old broke her foot in April and required surgery. — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Like Gerber, accessorize for elegant nights out on the town with Gucci’s iconic Jackie 1961 handbag and, for an unexpected finish, a pair of black ballet flats. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026 Alongside his floor manager, played by Jiang Qiming, their business turns into an unexpected sanctuary for local civilians and children when armed conflict erupts. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 There’s also an audio issue which could leak sensitive user information, and three Kernel threats which could lead to unexpected system termination or memory corruptions. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unexpected

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unexpected was circa 1586

Rhymes for unexpected

See All Rhymes for unexpected

Browse Nearby Words

unexpectable
unexpected
unexpectedly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unexpected

adjective
un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd How to pronounce unexpected (audio)
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly adverb
unexpectedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unexpected

Nglish: Translation of unexpected for Spanish Speakers

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