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unexpected

[ uhn-ik-spek-tid ]

/ ˌʌn ɪkˈspɛk tɪd /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR unexpected ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

not expected; unforeseen; surprising: an unexpected pleasure; an unexpected development.

Origin of unexpected

First recorded in 1580–90; un-¹ + expect + -ed²

SYNONYMS FOR unexpected

unanticipated. See sudden.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR unexpected ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM unexpected

un·ex·pect·ed·ly, adverb un·ex·pect·ed·ness, noun

Words nearby unexpected

unexampled, unexceptionable, unexceptional, unexcited, unexciting, unexpected, unexpendable, unexperienced, unexplained, unexploited, unexplored

Example sentences from the Web for unexpectedly

Small rooms off its graffiti-covered foyer provide shelter from the thick rain that can unexpectedly, and vengefully, hit.

The Congo's Forgotten Colonial Getaway |Nina Strochlic |December 18, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Such photos generally blur into the sameness of routine, but this particular one is unexpectedly stirring.

The President and the Tow Truck Driver |Michael Daly |September 25, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
As the unexpectedly civil interaction continued, a woman toweled sweat off Johnson's head.

An Uneasy Peace Falls on Ferguson after Local Cops Called Off |Justin Glawe |August 15, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Guardians of the Galaxy is a wonderful, funny, and unexpectedly fresh superhero movie.

'Guardians of the Galaxy' Is Not a Watershed Moment for Women |Kevin Fallon |August 4, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

In another episode, he unexpectedly unleashes a hilarious joke in a moment of darkness.

Stop Everything and Go Watch ‘Rectify' |Jason Lynch |June 19, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The buildings were immediately destroyed, together with a magazine, which was unexpectedly found in the adjoining village.

Narrative of the Voyages and Services of the Nemesis from 1840 to 1843 |William Hutcheon Hall
How can it be otherwise when we are thus suddenly and unexpectedly about to take leave of our dear friends the gorillas?

The Gorilla Hunters |R.M. Ballantyne
But when he found that he was too weak, he said: "Oh God, that I should be seized so unexpectedly."

The Life of Philip Melanchthon |Karl Friedrich Ledderhose
In the waste places it is a pleasure to unexpectedly meet a fellow being.

Wells Brothers |Andy Adams
He pictured, with a shudder, meeting her unexpectedly on the uncertain plank sidewalk of Fort Erie, he smoking a cigar.

In the Midst of Alarms |Robert Barr

British Dictionary definitions for unexpectedly

unexpected

/ (ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd) /

adjective

surprising or unforeseen

Derived forms of unexpected

unexpectedly, adverb unexpectedness, noun