How to Use the unexpected in a Sentence

the unexpected

noun
  • The Sox have a knack of doing the unexpected and will again.
    Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Mar. 2023
  • Try it with leather trousers for a dose of the unexpected.
    Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024
  • The long-time voice of the Dallas Cowboys dealt with the unexpected loss of his ex-wife and faced his own health scare.
    David Moore, Dallas News, 27 July 2023
  • There would be shifts in the cultural scenery, for sure, but no tales of the unexpected.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023
  • Scroll on below to see just how the unexpected took over Austin!
    James Dinh, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2024
  • So save the unexpected burst of bright pink for the powder bath instead!
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024
  • While traveling through the desert, Alex and his friends are faced with the unexpected, pushing the group to fight for their lives.
    Charna Flam, Variety, 15 Mar. 2023
  • Spanning a few days, the story follows the unexpected death of the Pope and the efforts to select a new one.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 July 2024
  • After all, isn’t the thrill of the unknown, and perhaps the unexpected, what makes a party more fun?
    Maia Torres, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2023
  • Events and contacts at a distance stimulate ideas and plans near the 7th —so go with it and open up to the unexpected.
    Katharine Merlin, Town & Country, 1 Mar. 2023
  • The moral of the story here is to be prepared for failure or success and to expect the unexpected.
    Christian Wiklund, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
  • Don’t be afraid to set bold new goals, but be prepared for sudden changes as eclipses can bring the unexpected.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024
  • Bonus points for the unexpected color options, like rose pink and mint green, which are giftable.
    Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2023
  • But what did Nick Jonas think of the unexpected footwear his lady chose for the occasion?
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2023
  • Meanwhile, the unexpected took hold in the bottom half, as both top seeds were ousted in the quarters.
    Todd Boss, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
  • In the case of the late-June assault, the unexpected appearance of a single Russian tank seems to have spoiled the attack.
    David Axe, Forbes, 16 July 2023
  • A touch of the unexpected is an Amal Clooney signature.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024
  • Nature has also taught me to expect the unexpected, and do your best to be ready for anything.
    Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 26 Jan. 2024
  • But what really sets opera in L.A. apart is the art form’s movement in new and profound ways can come from the unexpected sources.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024
  • The toddlers are used to the unexpected, but climbing the 17 floors to their home never gets any easier.
    Yutao Chen, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2023
  • The brand was apologetic and paid her for the unexpected overtime.
    Elizabeth Denton, Allure, 19 Sep. 2023
  • Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence and is tasked with running the covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
  • Barring the unexpected, observers don’t predict much change to come out of this vote.
    Peter Kenyon, NPR, 27 June 2024
  • Aim to have three to six months of living expenses stashed away in case the unexpected happens.
    Becca Stanek, The Week, 8 Sep. 2023
  • Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 30 July 2024
  • The company didn’t reveal price tags for either of the unexpected models, but said the R3 will be even cheaper than the R2.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024
  • Beware of the unexpected Be careful about answering an email, call or text that claims to be from your bank.
    Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Susie Avett seems pleasantly surprised by the unexpected place to which life has brought her.
    Marcia Morris, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
  • The book is perhaps its most moving when Willis recounts the unexpected death of her father.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2023
  • This feat was achieved by contrasting lavender sourced from France with notes of orange blossom and musk accord to reveal a perfume for those who prefer the unexpected.
    Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the unexpected.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Last Updated: