adjective
surprising
Causing astonishment because it is unexpected.
The soup has a surprising sweetness despite having no added sugar.
Etymology
The source image is taking someone unprepared. Surprising describes whatever produces that unexpected encounter or realization.
More examples
- The youngest runner wins a surprising victory.
- It's surprising how much quieter the room feels with curtains.
- Given her years of practice, her success isn't surprising.
Forms
surprising
surprisingly adverb — In a way that causes astonishment.
surprise noun — A feeling caused by something unexpected.
Similar words
- unexpected
- Unexpected emphasizes lack of anticipation rather than actual astonishment.
- astonishing
- Astonishing suggests much stronger amazement than surprising usually does.
- startling
- Startling emphasizes a sudden shock that grabs someone's attention.