Meaning of unexpected in English

1. Pronunciation

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1. Classifying Adjective

   unexpected

   Definitions

   1. not foreseen

   Examples

   • « unsuspected difficulties arose »
   • « unsuspected turnings in the road »

   Synonyms

   • unsuspected
2. 2. made necessary by an unexpected situation or emergency

   Examples

   • « a forced landing »

   Synonyms

   • unscheduled
3. 3. causing surprise or amazement by not being expected

   Examples

   • « the curtains opened to reveal a completely unexpected scene »

   Synonyms

   • surprising
4. 4. not planned

   Examples

   • « an unexpected pregnancy »

   Synonyms

   • unplanned
5. 5. happening or coming quickly and without warning

   Examples

   • « a sudden unexpected development »

   Synonyms

   • sudden

6. Qualitative Adjective

   unexpected

   Definitions

   1. not expected or anticipated

   Examples

   • « unexpected guests »
   • « unexpected news »

   Synonyms

   • unannounced
   • unheralded
   • unpredicted
   • unanticipated
   • unforeseen
   • unlooked-for
   • out of the blue(p)
   • unhoped
   • unhoped-for
   • unthought
   • unthought-of
   • unprovided for(p)
   • upset(a)

   Antonyms

   • expected

See also

• surprising