surprisingly
Americanadverb
-
in a way that causes a feeling of wonder or astonishment.
The artist creates works that are both approachable and surprisingly sophisticated.
-
in a way that is seen as unlikely or unexpected.
Despite its geographic isolation and small population, Reykjavik is surprisingly cosmopolitan.
The phone has an impressive array of features, and yet is surprisingly affordable.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of surprisingly
Explanation
When something happens in a way that amazes you, use the adverb surprisingly, like when you find the kids at your new school to be surprisingly friendly. If a situation is surprising, it is completely unexpected — and you can say that it happens surprisingly. You might discover that the day is surprisingly warm, and you don't need your furry hat after all; or you may realize that college is surprisingly difficult after you breezed through high school. The French root word is surprise, "a taking unawares," which comes from surprendre, "to overtake." Surprisingly is surprisingly old, dating from the 1600's.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A newly published study from University of Iowa Health Care suggests that a surprisingly small portion of human DNA plays a major role in language ability.
From Science Daily • Jun. 12, 2026
But travel to and within Europe is looking surprisingly affordable.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
The experience was hands-on, welcoming and surprisingly relaxing.
From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026
May and June were exceedingly dry, the main water pump conked out regularly, the roof of the ladies’ room caved in and the pro shop needed more scorecards, which are surprisingly expensive.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
In a surprisingly soft voice, he said, “Can you walk?”
From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
