easy
The unexpected rain ended the picnic.
What does Unexpected mean?
Unexpected means surprising or not planned.
Dictionary definition
Unexpected means not expected or surprising because it was not planned or predicted.
Example sentences
Unexpected in a sentence
medium
An unexpected clue changed how we understood the story.
hard
The experiment produced an unexpected result, so the students reviewed their steps carefully.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice unexpected in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Unexpected
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does unexpected mean?
Unexpected describes something that was not expected, planned, or predicted.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to unexpected?
Surprising is close in meaning because unexpected things can surprise people.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for unexpected?
Expected is the direct contrast because unexpected means not expected.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Unexpected
Voice settings
Sounds like
un · ik · spek · tid · strongest beat: spek
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUnexpected.
Partadjective.
MeaningUnexpected means surprising or not planned.
ExampleExample: The unexpected rain ended the picnic.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- un · ik · spek · tid
- Strongest beat
- spek
- Ending
- tid
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on spek.
Your turn
Say Unexpected
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Nice work—you practiced unexpected.
Synonyms
Words like Unexpected
surprisingUse when something happens in a way people did not expect.
unplannedUse when something was not arranged ahead of time.
Antonyms
Opposite words
expectedUse when something was predicted or thought likely.
plannedUse when something was arranged ahead of time.
Synonym practice
Want to practice unexpected synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The result was unexpected, but the data was still clear," then compare close word choices. Practice unexpected synonyms.
Word family
Unexpected word family
Base word
expect
adjective
expected
Thought likely to happen.
adjective
unexpected
Not expected.
adverb
unexpectedly
In a way that was not expected.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Unexpected
Hint for students
Unexpected means something was not planned, predicted, or thought likely. It often creates surprise or changes what people think.
Common mix-up
Unexpected is not always bad. An unexpected event can be helpful, funny, interesting, or difficult depending on the context.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows unexpected without using the word unexpected. Then underline the clue words that show surprise, lack of planning, or a change from what was predicted. Example: Everyone packed for sunshine, but snow began falling before lunch. Clue words: packed for sunshine, but, snow began falling Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show something surprising or not predicted?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "An unexpected clue changed how we understood the story." Why does unexpected fit better than expected?
Learning activities
Practice Unexpected and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice UNEXPECTED” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice UNEXPECTED
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with UNEXPECTED
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Spell Hive
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Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
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Context Clue Challenge
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Use context clues
Practice UNEXPECTED
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes UNEXPECTED.
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Scrambled Bees
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