surprising
Not at all anticipated
Surprising describes something that catches you off guard or defies expectation.
A surprising twist in a story, a surprising victory by an underdog.
The word can express mild shock (That's surprising—I thought she'd already left) or emphasize degree: a surprising amount of money, surprisingly good coffee.
Not surprising often dismisses the obvious: It's not surprising he failed, given how little he studied.
Overwhelming surprise and wonder
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- jaw-droppingExtremely surprising or impressive
- mind-blowingOverwhelmingly impressive or shocking
- staggeringShockingly impressive or unsteady
breathtaking · stupefaction · flabbergasted · dumbfounded · speechless · incredulity · wonderment · awe
Not predicted or expected
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- unpredictableCannot be anticipated
- suddenOccurring without prior notice
- abruptSharp and unexpected
random · unlooked-for · chance · spontaneous · unplanned · accidental · fluke · anomaly
Sudden narrative redirection
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- turnaboutComplete change of direction
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
- reversalComplete change of direction
upset · curveball · about-face · switcheroo · misdirection · red herring · denouement · cliffhanger
Disturbingly incongruous
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- unsettlingCausing unease or discomfort
- alarmingProvoking fear or anxiety
- disconcertingCausing unease or confusion
upsetting · jolting · stunning · blindsiding · bombshell · thunderbolt · devastating · disquieting
Giving enjoyment or comfort
- joyIntense positive emotion
- serendipityAccidental fortunate discovery
- windfallUnanticipated lucky gain
- unexpected giftUnsought present received
bonus · treat · enchanting · charming · delightful · heartwarming · touching · gratifying
amazement
Overwhelming surprise and wonder
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- jaw-droppingExtremely surprising or impressive
- mind-blowingOverwhelmingly impressive or shocking
staggering · breathtaking · stupefaction · flabbergasted · dumbfounded · speechless · incredulity · wonderment · awe · phenomenal
unforeseen
Not predicted or expected
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- unpredictableCannot be anticipated
- suddenOccurring without prior notice
abrupt · random · unlooked-for · chance · spontaneous · unplanned · accidental · fluke · anomaly · coincidence
plot twist
Sudden narrative redirection
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- turnaboutComplete change of direction
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
reversal · upset · curveball · about-face · switcheroo · misdirection · red herring · denouement · cliffhanger · double-cross
jarring
Disturbingly incongruous
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- unsettlingCausing unease or discomfort
- alarmingProvoking fear or anxiety
disconcerting · upsetting · jolting · stunning · blindsiding · bombshell · thunderbolt · devastating · disquieting · troubling
pleasant
Giving enjoyment or comfort
- joyIntense positive emotion
- serendipityAccidental fortunate discovery
- windfallUnanticipated lucky gain
unexpected gift · bonus · treat · enchanting · charming · delightful · heartwarming · touching · gratifying · uplifting
- emotional reactionsinspiring, moving, touching, heartwarming, chilling
- media descriptorsdramatic, thrilling, suspenseful, emotional, atmospheric
- adjectivesbig, urgent, amazing, temporary, bold
- surprisesunexpected gift, plot twist, unexpected event, unexpected success, news flash
- eye-catchingstriking, conspicuous, noticeable, prominent, eye-catching
- mischiefmischief, hijinks, antics, pranks, antic
surprisingexpected
Regarded as likely
unsurprising · predictable · anticipated · foreseeable · foreseen
surprisingunremarkable
Not worthy of comment
ordinary · mundane · commonplace · common · unexceptional
surprisingboring
Failing to engage interest
dull · uninteresting · underwhelming · anticlimactic · uninspiring
- surprising truthsFacts contrary to expectations