1
as in unfamiliar
happening or existing without one's knowledge unknown to me was the fact that while I was out, my family was hurriedly preparing a surprise birthday party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unknown Meanwhile, the next launch attempt for ULA is unknown. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025 While the victims' causes of death remain unknown and there did not appear to be any kind of connection between the cases as of Thursday, the recent findings have locals on edge. Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Drake’s counsel based the accusations on the appearance of an unknown person who said on DJ Akademiks’ livestream that Interscope, Lamar’s label, paid him via third parties to use bots in the days following the song’s release. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025 After orbital computations were made both in the U.S., and Great Britain, it was discovered that these dazzling meteors had remarkably similar orbits and had possibly originated either in the asteroid belt, or as perhaps the debris from an unknown short-period comet. Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
  • As for the identity of Aradia herself, the name is unfamiliar to contemporary speakers of the dialects spoken in the Tuscany and Romagna regions that Leland allegedly visited.
    Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 18 Apr. 2025
  • For example, some autistic adults are more comfortable spending time with family and lifelong friends, while others may feel more comfortable socializing with unfamiliar people.
    Heidi Moawad, MD, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Giving consumers an authentic, memorable, and novel experience that shows how the brand understands the consumer on a deeper level forges a connection that can’t be bought.
    Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But Guillory learned something crucial about her evolution as an author while working on her latest novel Flirting Lessons, out April 8.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But his recitation of Black Americans’ names also revealed that they were heavily weighted toward athletes and performers like Jackie Robinson and Aretha Franklin (on a list that includes relatively obscure conservative white thinkers such as Whittaker Chambers and Clare Boothe Luce).
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
  • That included obscure cold opens and immersive world-building.
    Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • If some readers were befuddled by Mr. Holland’s strange and magical imagery, graphic artists were entranced.
    Penelope Green, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • These stores typically feature eclectic collections of oddities, collectibles, curiosities, and decorative items that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of the strange and unique.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Historically, the condition is considered the result of monotonous, repetitive tasks like assembly-line jobs or positions in which employees feel undervalued or unrecognized for their work or that lack meaning, purpose and interest.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Many talented individuals in the BIPOC community make incredible contributions to the wine industry, yet many go unrecognized.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie turned the wizardly backstory into an epic adventure, opening a gateway for young unbeknownst fantasy fans everywhere while also delivering a classically wholesome story about the importance of family and a parent's unconditional love.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 1 July 2024
  • For a surprise at the end, unbeknownst even to King, Winfrey arranged a path lined with sparklers, framing the couple in a golden glow against the night sky.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 June 2024
Adjective
  • Artificial intelligence and quantum computing are two of the most disruptive forces shaping the global economy today, driving unprecedented investment and fueling stock market gains.
    Ashutosh Synghal, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Raptors president Masai Ujiri has never complained about MLSE’s financial support for the team, but these are unfamiliar, if not unprecedented, times.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Season 5 to explore new relationship, show creator says While some may still be rooting for Emily to patch things up with Gabriel, the focus of this upcoming season will be Emily's relationship with Marcello, Star told Tudum.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • First discovered: 4 hours ago, 12:37 p.m. April 18 Initial location: San Mateo County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Hill Ic A new wildfire was reported today at 12:37 p.m. in San Mateo County.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unknown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!