surprising

1 of 2

adjective

sur·​pris·​ing sər-ˈprī-ziŋ How to pronounce surprising (audio)
sə-
Synonyms of surprisingnext
: of a nature that excites surprise

surprising

2 of 2

present participle of surprise entry 2

Synonyms of surprising

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Adjective

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Examples of surprising in a Sentence

Adjective It's not surprising that he doesn't want to go. The changes to the campus were surprising. He shows a surprising lack of concern for others. A surprising number of people were laid off at the factory.
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Adjective
The level of organization is surprising, but this is a trend of Jews being portrayed in certain ways and trying to be silenced. — Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 In what may be a surprising twist, the journalist presents eyebrow-raising information about who helped Barbie escape Europe. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 This is initially surprising, because the YouTube app appears to be at least a little updated for the Duo. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 From the first phone call with my midwife, my decision sat with surprising ease. — Trinity Mouzon Wofford, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surprising

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surprising was in 1614

Rhymes for surprising

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Browse Nearby Words

surprise, surprise
surprising
surprisingly
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Cite this Entry

“Surprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surprising. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

surprising

adjective
sur·​pris·​ing
sə(r)-ˈprī-ziŋ
: causing surprise : amazing
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