UNEXPECTEDLY Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

unexpectedly

adverb

Definition of unexpectedly

as in suddenly

without warning the snow started unexpectedly

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Recent Examples of unexpectedly Before anyone could tap their heels on the floor and start the party, though, fire sprinklers went off unexpectedly in a nearby hotel room, forcing everyone to evacuate the building. — Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The spacecraft unexpectedly remained intact after splashdown in the Indian Ocean last month, prompting SpaceX officials to come up with an ad hoc plan to recover the vehicle. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026 Based on David Nicholls’ bestselling book, the series stars Marnie (Foy) and Michael (Macfadyen), who unexpectedly fall in love when their mutual friend Cleo (Crome) brings a group together for a walking weekend in the UK’s Lake District. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 This offbeat con-man comedy pairs the director with Nicolas Cage, an actor who turns out to be an unexpectedly good fit for him. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Panettiere’s brother Jansen died unexpectedly at the age of 28 in 2023. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026 Jenna Bush Hager couldn’t help but get emotional while remembering an unexpectedly sweet comment made by her daughter, Poppy. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026 And Vanity Fair has unexpectedly found its way into Keeley’s life too. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026 But in the fifth inning, John Rave unexpectedly pinch-hit for Caglianone, who the Royals later announced had right ankle soreness. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpectedly

suddenly

Adverb

The reports about the Buss family’s stake comes a few days after Lakers owner Mark Walter suddenly agreed to sell the team to Kushner and Iger last week amid a federal fraud investigation, giving them a roughly 65% stake in the team.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
The business was forced to close, leaving Stroh, her husband and their staff out of a job suddenly.

— Olivia Young, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of suddenly

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unexpected

unexpectedly

unexplainable

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“Unexpectedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpectedly. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unexpectedly

adverb

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