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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of unknown
An initial announcement said the 25 VIPs–the majority of their identities so far unknown–would tour the White House.
—
Michelle Conlin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Perhaps Céline will carry this unknown theoretical child.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 23 May 2025
In 2022, a Davidson County Criminal Court judge denied requests to reopen his case despite some new evidence that the DNA of an unknown person was on one of the murder weapons.
—CBS News, 22 May 2025
One call was from a person who needed help with five puppies and three adult dogs, with an unknown owner, said Humane Society spokesperson Nina Thompson.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Michelle Conlin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Perhaps Céline will carry this unknown theoretical child.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 23 May 2025
In 2022, a Davidson County Criminal Court judge denied requests to reopen his case despite some new evidence that the DNA of an unknown person was on one of the murder weapons.
—CBS News, 22 May 2025
One call was from a person who needed help with five puppies and three adult dogs, with an unknown owner, said Humane Society spokesperson Nina Thompson.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
-
This is often unfamiliar territory for professionals from traditional wealth backgrounds.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
Nearly all the faces here are unfamiliar — and every one is entirely persuasive.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Which is a very novel concept, because most things are incubated in the States or maybe overseas in the U.K.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
-
These changes are creating novel military and geopolitical challenges for Beijing, thereby reinforcing China’s doubts about the potential success of aggression.—
ELY RATNER,
Foreign Affairs,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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There are some opaque methods for opening car tailgates, but Smart’s must be one of the most obscure.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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That brings us to Biden’s cancer, a diagnosis that surely cast a pall over the various book tours and panel discussions on what the Bidens and their handlers did or did not obscure.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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The long strange trip is proving to be even longer than anyone thought.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Because of this strange clustering, the Atlantic Shark Institute has posted signs around Narragansett alerting beachgoers to be on the lookout.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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In retrospect, this may be one of the most significant insights of his pontificate—the frank recognition that the number and gravity of violent conflicts constitute a world war that has largely gone unrecognized.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
9 May 2025
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For example, a user tries to access a system from an unrecognized device or unusual location.—
Kris Lahiri,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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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As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, companies are presented with exciting yet overwhelming options.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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But neither was the great progress that Washington’s allies have already made, not only in acknowledging the threat from China but also in taking unprecedented steps to invest in their own militaries, build ties with their neighbors, and double down on their alliances with the United States.—
ELY RATNER,
Foreign Affairs,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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The webcast is available on its website and on social media platform X. Coverage will also be available on SpaceX's new X TV app.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
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The series invites young adventurers to explore the joys and challenges of moving to new places, meeting new people, discovering different cultures and building lasting friendships.—
Deb Harvell,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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