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
as in novel
not known or experienced before
becoming a father brought unknown joy to his life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obscure
not widely known
looking for a relatively unknown singer to record the song
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unknown
The source of the leak is unknown, the Water and Sewer Operations Department said Thursday.
—
Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 23 Jan. 2025
One male suspect with long hair in a ponytail, wearing all black clothing, is believed to have left the area in an unknown direction, according to Towson University police.
—Alexa Dikos, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2025
Much like the series, a double homicide occurred in 2004 when an 8-year-old boy and 56-year-old woman were fatally stabbed by an unknown attacker, per The Local Sweden.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Unlike the pandemic, this is not an unforeseen or unknown challenge.
—Tanmay Gupta, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unknown 
Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 23 Jan. 2025
One male suspect with long hair in a ponytail, wearing all black clothing, is believed to have left the area in an unknown direction, according to Towson University police.
—Alexa Dikos, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2025
Much like the series, a double homicide occurred in 2004 when an 8-year-old boy and 56-year-old woman were fatally stabbed by an unknown attacker, per The Local Sweden.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Unlike the pandemic, this is not an unforeseen or unknown challenge.
—Tanmay Gupta, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
-
Review your transactions regularly to spot any unfamiliar charges.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Glover was unable to overcome legislative questions about her commitment to upholding Connecticut’s strong reproductive rights laws and complaints that her long experience in the federal courts left her unfamiliar with the state’s courts.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That effort guides decision-making about the composition of our routine flu shots as well as helps researchers determine when and how to develop novel vaccines against potential pandemic-causing pathogens.—
Lisa Jarvis,
The Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2025
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The limited series is based on the novel Enigma Variations, written by Call Me by Your Name author André Aciman.—
James Factora,
Them,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Both parties have spent much of the 21st century using what had been obscure procedural tactics to delay or slowly derail presidential nominees for Cabinet posts, regulatory agency boards and federal judgeships.—
Ed O'Keefe,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2025
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The recent wildfires shine a spotlight on an obscure firefighting charity.—
Hunter Clauss,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The current situation with Lenovo’s Legion Go S is a strange one.—
Jason Evangelho,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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Luther allegedly continued to purchase and inject the counterfeit Botox despite knowing clients had fallen ill or experienced strange symptoms, Sassoon said.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Since the armed conflict in the early 1990s, Russia has maintained a strong military presence in the unrecognized entity, despite calls for reintegration with Moldova, its parent state.—
Andy Biggs,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
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But in 1948, a series of mysterious clues—unrecognized bird calls and unusual footprints—near Lake Te Anau rekindled hope.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
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
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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
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With ‘The Baldwins,’ viewers gain an unprecedented look into Alec and Hilaria Baldwin’s family journey.—
Elizabeth Stanton,
Fox News,
27 Jan. 2025
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Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lebret also coordinated vital support for Ukrainian audiovisual professionals, mobilizing resources and creating networking opportunities during unprecedented challenges.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Former White House advisor Steve Bannon has also taken issue with Musk, who Trump tapped to co-lead a new Department of Government Efficiency.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
25 Jan. 2025
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More than 6,500 people have signed a petition urging new production incentives in the wake of the Eaton, Hughes and Palisades fires that have devastated Los Angles since Jan. 7.—
Carolyn Giardina,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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