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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

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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 Much about the new species's lifestyle and behavior remains unknown. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025 Known for its seafood and offshore oil and gas, Plaquemines is also where an unknown rose withstood the brutal force of Hurricane Katrina. Jessica Jordan, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025 The mash bill is unknown but is believed to be 60%-75% corn, 20%-25% rye, with the balance of malted barley. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025 Carter's availability is currently unknown, but the defensive star certainly has all eyes on him moving forward. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
  • And though some words on the menu may be unfamiliar, there’s no pretense at Purslane.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Wilson also notes that many of these National Guard members are not trained for local policing—even more so, many of them are coming from other states and are unfamiliar with the streets of D.C.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Koziol and his father built another novel residential concept for the area in 2019.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Much of the problem is driven by novel mental health challenges to which school systems are still adapting.
    Nona Han, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • None of these drinks require obscure syrups, a blowtorch or a $70 shaker.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • His late-night attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook—citing obscure allegations of mortgage fraud—has now forced the courts into uncharted territory, testing whether a president can legally purge central bank officials who resist him.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The craft beer industry is in a strange place right now.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • What begins as a strange ritual quickly unravels into a waking nightmare.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, among employees recognized monthly, 82% feel enthusiastic about their jobs compared to a significantly lower percentage among unrecognized workers.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2025
  • And that’s where not-for-profit hospitals—the often unrecognized but essential community anchors—step in.
    Russell Cox, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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
  • The timing of the move, and the decision to reconstruct her serve while also playing her biggest tournament of the year, was unusual, if not unprecedented.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2025
  • For more than half the membership of the NAS alone to sign this letter is virtually unprecedented.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • City council has 30 days to appoint a new mayor to finish Wright's term.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2025
  • At that time, Constellation noted in a press statement that a restart would require the NRC approval, new permits from state and local agencies, and a comprehensive safety and environment review.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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