Skip to content

What is another word for Unexpected? – 104 Unexpected Synonyms

    Need another word for Unexpected? Use these synonyms of Unexpected from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    unforeseen surprising astonishing startling shocking astounding remarkable unusual unexpected unprecedented anomalous abnormal irregular unanticipated surprising sudden abrupt unexpected unforeseen surprising astonishing unlooked-for unplanned unintentional unintentional accidental chance coincidental unexpected surprising

    Meaning of Unexpected

    The primary meaning of the word "Unexpected" is something that happens or is discovered without prior warning or anticipation.

    Definitions

    • Not anticipated or predicted, surprising, or astonishing
    • * Not planned or prepared for, sudden, or unplanned
    • * Not typical or normal, unusual, or abnormal

    Etymology of Unexpected

    The word "Unexpected" originates from the prefix "un-" meaning "not" and the word "expected" which comes from the Old French "expecter" meaning "to await" or "to look forward to"
    Historically, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe events or situations that were not anticipated or predicted

    Example Uses

    • The unexpected arrival of guests caught us off guard
    • * The unexpected turn of events changed the course of the story
    • * The unexpected news of her resignation shocked everyone

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    expected anticipated predicted planned intentional deliberate purposeful ordinary normal typical usual customary routine foreseeable probable likely certain inevitable destined ordained