unlooked-for

adjective

ˌən-ˈlu̇kt-ˌfȯr How to pronounce unlooked-for (audio)
Definition of unlooked-fornext
as in sudden
not expected the interesting stuff found in the attic was an unlooked-for bonus for the new homeowners

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlooked-for
  1. sudden
  2. unexpected
Adjective
  • In the meantime, if the sudden onset of the midsummer sports doldrums is anything to go by, the next World Cup can’t get here soon enough.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
  • The sudden sight of a dish so delicious — or grotesque — the body briefly forgets its need for oxygen.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Definition of sudden
Adjective
  • Some unexpected foods provide us with abundant amounts of leucine without having to resort to supplements.
    — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 23 July 2026
  • And yet, when fate brings us together with someone in a completely unexpected way, our defenses collapse.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of unexpected
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.

Browse Nearby Words

unlocks
unlooked-for
unloose
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unlooked-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlooked-for. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on unlooked-for

Nglish: Translation of unlooked-for for Spanish Speakers

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of kludge

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All