UNEXPECTEDLY Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

unexpectedly

adverb

Definition of unexpectedly

as in suddenly

without warning the snow started unexpectedly

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unexpectedly An agreement or joint expense could shift unexpectedly, so be sure to confirm facts before charging forward. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Hiring had proven unexpectedly resilient in recent months, despite a rise in costs borne by businesses and shoppers. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026 And suddenly, all those pages of analysis feel a lot like a MapQuest printout when the road is unexpectedly closed. — Jack O'Hara, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The gas giant circles its star at an unexpectedly close distance—about 50 times nearer than the Earth’s orbit around the sun. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 2026 Fortunately, her mother was able to rebook the same hotel after the match, which eased some of the logistical issues for her unexpectedly extended stay in London. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 On the New Jersey artist’s debut album, a steady stream of screwball ideas coalesce into unexpectedly existential laptop twee gems. — Nick Ayres Demasi, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026 Expecting a change of pace, she is instead unexpectedly pulled into a murder investigation involving a female climate activist. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 July 2026 Many hijinks ensue, including a trip to Persia, a secret pregnancy, many threats to the life and chastity of the young couple, and a war in Egypt that unexpectedly solves everyone’s problems. — Literary Hub, 30 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexpectedly

suddenly

Adverb

The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
The astounding results delivered by Daraxonrasib, and likely by a new crop of medications now in development pipelines of pharma companies that work in a similar fashion, suddenly provide a significant opportunity to act.

— Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

Definition of suddenly

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unexpected

unexpectedly

unexplainable

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“Unexpectedly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexpectedly. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unexpectedly

adverb

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