unexpected Hear it!

unexpected Definition

un·ex·pected (-ek spektid)

adjective

not expected; unforeseen

  • unexpanded
  • unexpendable
  • unexperienced
  • unexpert
  • unexpiated
  • unexpired
  • unexplainable
  • unexplained
  • unexplicit
  • unexploded
  • unexploited
  • unexplored
  • unexported
  • unexposed
unexpected Related Forms
un′·ex·pect·edly adverb un′·ex·pect·ed·ness noun
unexpected Synonyms

unexpected

modif.

unforeseen, surprising, unlooked for, accidental, fortuitous, sudden, startling, unheralded, unpredicted, coming unaware, astonishing, staggering, stunning, electrifying, amazing, not in the cards, not on the books, past conjecture, unanticipated, not bargained for, uncontemplated, wonderful, prodigious, coming without previous intimation, unprepared for, instantaneous, eye-opening, like a bolt from the blue*.

Antonyms expected*, predicted, foreseen.

unexpected Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • place: And we begin to see a new way, a resurrection life springing up in the most unexpected of places.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • discover: As you might have noted by now, it is usual to discover something unexpected when things seem to be becoming a bit routine.
  • do: However, players can be cruelly exposed whenever a ball or opponent does something unexpected.
  • produce: The essence of poetry is invention; such invention as, by producing something unexpected, surprises and delights.
  • indicate: Either they had not realized the significance of their family history, or the results indicate something totally unexpected, and very unwelcome.

Modifies a noun

  • twist: The writing is sharp and the plot full of unexpected twists and turns.
  • bonus: The Snooker option is a great and an unexpected bonus in a Pool game.
  • death: Sudden unexpected death accounted for 18 % of all deaths among patients with epilepsy.
  • arrival: Very uplifting it was, perhaps about the unexpected arrival of love?
  • caller: The best prevention against these outrages is to use a door chain to prevent unexpected callers from entering your house.
  • surprise: It was but the stagger of a sudden and unexpected surprise.

Modifying Another Word

  • totally: From there my life took a totally unexpected turn from which, I believe, I will never turn back.
  • wholly: Basketball Watching the US team slip to a late defeat against Lithuania was a wholly unexpected pleasure.
  • entirely: Last night he did this, then did something entirely unexpected.
  • altogether: The large increase in BNP councilors is discouraging but not altogether unexpected.
  • somewhat: There are three reasons for this - somewhat unexpected - change of tack.
  • completely: They bring the news she has waited for years to hear, yet it is completely unexpected.

Used with adjective complement

  • have: But it has unexpected, unintended and frequently unexamined powers to do other things which could undermine a free state in many ways.
unexpected Quotes

If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it; for it is hard to be sought out, and difficult.

—Heraclitus   fl.500