unwonted
Out of character
Unwonted means unusual or unaccustomed—not what one is used to or what typically occurs: She spoke with unwonted boldness.
The word is literary and somewhat old-fashioned, the negative of wonted (customary), which itself is rarely used outside formal contexts.
Unwonted often describes behavior that surprises because it departs from someone's established pattern.
Seldom occurring or found
- unusualNot often encountered
- infrequentHappening only occasionally
- scarceIn short supply
- seldomOn few occasions
sporadic · occasional · sparse · intermittent · atypical · irregular · unaccustomed · unfamiliar
Not predicted or expected
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- surprisingCausing mild shock
- startlingCausing sudden surprise
- suddenOccurring without prior notice
abrupt · unlooked-for · unpredictable · disconcerting · astonishing · jarring · unsettling · disorienting
uncommon
Seldom occurring or found
- unusualNot often encountered
- infrequentHappening only occasionally
- scarceIn short supply
seldom · sporadic · occasional · sparse · intermittent · atypical · irregular · unaccustomed · unfamiliar · exceptional
unforeseen
Not predicted or expected
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- surprisingCausing mild shock
- startlingCausing sudden surprise
sudden · abrupt · unlooked-for · unpredictable · disconcerting · astonishing · jarring · unsettling · disorienting · bewildering