| UGLYDUCKLING | One who unexpectedly turns out successful or beautiful (4,8) |
| GOALPOSTS | These can move unexpectedly, turn pal around, and toss alarmingly (9) |
| NOSHOW | One who's unexpectedly not here, ultimately? (2-4) |
| ANDREWLUCK | Colts quarterback who unexpectedly retired in 2019: 2 wds. |
| DEUSEXMACHINA | Contrived agent who unexpectedly solves the insoluble (4,2,7) |
| DARKHORSE | Competitor who unexpectedly wins (4,5) |
| AURORAL | Word for dawn-like or eoan; rosy or blushing; or, beautiful and fresh (7) |
| LAPALMA | One of the Canaries known as "Isla Bonita", or "Beautiful Island" (2,5) |
| AWOL | Like a soldier who's unexpectedly off base: Abbr. |
| TURNUP | Become successful or unexpectedly do better (4,2,6) |
| TOPDOG | Most successful or dominant one (3,3) |
| HOMEANDDRY | Successful or having achieved one's aim (4,3,3) |
| LOSERS | Those who aren't successful, or less so otherwise (6) |
| EYEFUL | An interesting or beautiful sight (6) |
| TASTE | The sense of what is fitting, harmonious, or beautiful |
| INGRID | A girl's name of Norse origin meaning 'fair' or 'beautiful' (6) |
| FLAMINGO | Blasted duck - or beautiful bird (8) |
| COLLECTORSITEMS | Objects assembled because they are rare or beautiful (10,5) |
| SUBLIME | Morally worthy or beautiful (7) |
| LOVELY | Very attractive or beautiful (6) |
