Surprising | Definition of surprising by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of SURPRISING

: of a nature that excites surprise

See surprising defined for English-language learners

See surprising defined for kids

First Known Use of SURPRISING

1614

Related to SURPRISING

Synonyms: amazing, astonishing, astounding, blindsiding, dumbfounding (also dumfounding), eye-opening, flabbergasting, jarring, jaw-dropping, jolting, shocking, startling, stunning, stupefying

Antonyms: unsurprising

Definition of SURPRISING for Kids

: causing astonishment : unexpected <Although some things were always the same with Abuelita … others were surprising … — Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising>

— sur·pris·ing·ly adverb <He is a surprisingly good singer.>

Learn More About SURPRISING

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "surprising"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "surprising"

Nglish: Translation of "surprising" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "surprising" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: surprisinglyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: surprise partyAll Words Near: surprising

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up surprising? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site