unexpectedly
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for unexpectedly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a way that surprises; without warning.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use unexpectedly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From unexpected plus -ly.
Full origin of unexpectedly →Frequently asked questions
What does “unexpectedly” mean?
The word “unexpectedly” means in a way that surprises; without warning. In plain terms, happening suddenly, without anyone expecting it.
How do you pronounce “unexpectedly”?
“Unexpectedly” is pronounced uh-nihk-SPEHK-tihd-lee (/ʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/ in IPA).
How do you use “unexpectedly” in a sentence?
Here is “unexpectedly” used in a sentence: “He died unexpectedly at the age of 52.”
What part of speech is “unexpectedly”?
“Unexpectedly” is an adverb.
Is “unexpectedly” a common word?
“Unexpectedly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between unexpectedly and suddenly?
Unexpectedly focuses on something happening without warning or against what was anticipated, regardless of speed. Suddenly focuses on how quickly something happens, even if it was somewhat anticipated. An event can happen suddenly but still be expected, whereas unexpectedly always implies surprise.
How is unexpectedly typically used in a sentence structurally?
Unexpectedly is an adverb and usually modifies a verb describing an event or action, such as 'the results arrived unexpectedly' or 'he unexpectedly resigned.' It can appear at the start, middle, or end of a sentence depending on emphasis.
What is the difference between unexpectedly and surprisingly?
Unexpectedly describes something that happened without prior warning or anticipation, while surprisingly emphasizes the reaction of astonishment it produces. Something can be surprising without being unexpected if there was some warning, though the two often overlap in practice.