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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unknown
The cause is unknown, but researchers think genetics and other risk factors might be involved.
—
Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025
Intelligence assessed in the aftermath of the attack has shown Hamas came close to staging the offensive on three earlier occasions but delayed it for unknown reasons, the official said.
—Mohammad Jahjouh, Wafaa Shurafa, Natalie Melzer and Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The first commercial spacecraft headed beyond the moon is on its way to deep space, but the mission is suffering from unknown issues as the team scrambles to get in contact with the probe.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The exact timeline of events — including whether Hackman or Arakawa died first — is still unknown.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025
Intelligence assessed in the aftermath of the attack has shown Hamas came close to staging the offensive on three earlier occasions but delayed it for unknown reasons, the official said.
—Mohammad Jahjouh, Wafaa Shurafa, Natalie Melzer and Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The first commercial spacecraft headed beyond the moon is on its way to deep space, but the mission is suffering from unknown issues as the team scrambles to get in contact with the probe.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The exact timeline of events — including whether Hackman or Arakawa died first — is still unknown.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
-
His administration has brought attention to excessive spending—largely unfamiliar to those outside the Beltway—on woke, anti-American, or wasteful government programs at USAID, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Education thus far.—
Matt Klink,
Orange County Register,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Bitcoin can feel intimidating for newcomers, especially those unfamiliar with the complexities of crypto wallets, private keys, and exchanges.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The letter detailed about 180 medical device staff cuts, which included 25 experts in artificial intelligence, a 20 percent reduction in biostatisticians who evaluated studies of novel devices and the loss of molecular biologists with expertise in diagnostic tests that pinpoint a cancer subtype.—
Christina Jewett,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Most recently, three designers – Sandy Liang, Elena Velez, and Jane Wade – experimented with crypto, AI, and hardware in novel ways at New York Fashion Week (NYFW).—
Jackie Berardo,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Everything feels absurd and animated by obscure cosmic forces.—
Willing Davidson,
The New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2025
-
After years in obscure so-so movies playing Chopin and Byron, and in some respectable Merchant Ivory ones, the surprise star of last year's Four Weddings and a Funeral and this year's Nine Months and The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain has lately been having a bad life.—
Candace Bushnell,
Vogue,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The strange particulars of his passing remain a mystery thus far, but Hackman’s life was lived in quiet defiance of Hollywood fame and the strictures of celebrity.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
-
But these were hound tracks, stretching off through the snow in a strange, dark line.—
Frank C. Hibben,
Outdoor Life,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
While figures like Rosa Parks became household names, grassroots leaders like Griffin made waves in their own communities, driving change that often went unrecognized on a national scale.—
Jason Clayworth,
Axios,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Each hour this goes unrecognized makes the success of the coup more likely.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 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
-
Tulowitzki, now an assistant coach with the Texas Longhorns, happily obliged — excited to work with a player of Betts’ caliber and, like the rest of the baseball world, also curious to see how the six-time Gold Glove right fielder would fare in his virtually unprecedented position switch.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Thanks to its allies, the U.S. obtained unprecedented political and economic influence in Europe and Asia, and unprecedented power everywhere else.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is the Washington Commanders' newest offensive weapon.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
-
The music, name and likeness of Notorious B.I.G. will soon have a new home as the late rapper’s estate is close to signing a deal with Primary Wave, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.—
Shirley Halperin for The Hollywood Reporter,
Robb Report,
1 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to unknown
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share