anonymity

noun

an·​o·​nym·​i·​ty ˌa-nə-ˈni-mə-tē How to pronounce anonymity (audio)
plural anonymities
1
: the quality or state of being anonymous
enjoyed the anonymity of life in a large city
2
: one that is anonymous
a crowd of faceless anonymities

Examples of anonymity in a Sentence

They are trying to protect their child's anonymity. She enjoyed the anonymity of life in a large city.
Recent Examples on the Web Some of the officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2023 Both requested anonymity to discuss the decision ahead of any announcement from the Biden administration. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2023 The female is a high school student in Orange County, according to a teacher who was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023 Francis frequently demoted and stripped the American cleric of influence, but this month, the pope apparently finally had enough, according to one high-ranking Vatican official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Ruth Graham, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023 His relative anonymity and young age turned out to be non-issues as fans quickly fell in love with his witty and adventurous portrayal of The Doctor. 12 of 14 Peter Capaldi Adding some pragmatism to the character was Peter Calpadi, who took over from 2013 to 2017. Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 25 Nov. 2023 Director Nia DaCosta jumps erratically between battle scenes, musical numbers, and sisterhood dialogues, all displaying that same F/X-team anonymity that ruined the Wonder Woman franchise. Armond White, National Review, 22 Nov. 2023 Employees are still working together closely and supporting each other, said one worker who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters. Rachel Lerman, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023 The former executive was granted anonymity because they are not authorized to speak about internal company matters. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anonymity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

anonym(ous) + -ity

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anonymity was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near anonymity

Cite this Entry

“Anonymity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anonymity. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

anonymity

noun
an·​o·​nym·​i·​ty ˌan-ə-ˈnim-ət-ē How to pronounce anonymity (audio)
plural anonymities
: the quality or state of being anonymous

More from Merriam-Webster on anonymity

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