anonymity

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noun an·o·nym·i·ty \ ˌa-nə-ˈni-mə-tē \

Definition of anonymity

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

See anonymity defined for English-language learners

See anonymity defined for kids

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 of anonymity from the Web

Still, the public rebuke from a top aide frustrated Trump, said a person close to the White House, who, along others interviewed on the subject, demanded anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss private conversations.

— Washington Post, "Trump’s Cabinet struggles with whether to defend their boss," 29 Aug. 2017
This account of Uber’s C.E.O. selection is based on interviews with more than a dozen people with knowledge of the board’s discussions, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deliberations were private.

— mike isaac, New York Times, "Inside Uber’s Wild Ride in a Search of a New C.E.O.," 29 Aug. 2017
Three spoke on the record with attribution, while one source spoke on the condition of anonymity.

— joshua stewart, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Rep. Duncan Hunter gives President Trump a profane compliment," 28 Aug. 2017
That’s according to two people familiar with the decision who demanded anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss private conversations.

— jill colvin, The Seattle Times, "AP sources: Strategist Steve Bannon leaving White House," 18 Aug. 2017
The people demanded anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about a private conversation.

— jim geraghty, National Review, "Jeff Sessions Isn’t Going Anywhere," 3 Aug. 2017
Pena Nieto spoke cited statistics about migration from Central American to Mexico declining significantly, according to the official, who wasn't authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity.

— Bloomberg.com, "Mexico Says Its President Didn’t Call Trump to Praise His Immigration Policies," 2 Aug. 2017
One EPA official, who asked for anonymity because of career concerns, provided Nature with two lists circulating among Pruitt’s team that seem to have been compiled by the Heartland Institute.

— jeff tollefson, Scientific American, "Fears Rise for U.S. Climate Report as Trump Officials Take Reins," 1 Aug. 2017
The car owner, who requested anonymity, is currently homeless.

— michael katz, idahostatesman, "Boise bar owner pays a stranger’s parking tickets. He didn’t know he was saving her home.," 28 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anonymity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of anonymity

see anonymous

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1820

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anonymity Synonyms

Synonyms

obscurity, facelessness, namelessness, nowhere, nowheresville, silence

Antonyms

celebrity, fame, notoriety, renown

Related Words

oblivion; inconspicuousness, invisibility, invisibleness; insignificance; unpopularity

Near Antonyms

character, mark, name, note, rep [slang], report, reputation, repute; favor, popularity; importance, significance; distinction, eminence, glory, greatness, honor, illustriousness, note, preeminence, prominence; megastardom, superstardom; cachet, kudos, position, prestige, rank, standing, stature; acclaim, acknowledgment (or acknowledgement), praise, recognition; adoration, idolization

ANONYMITY Defined for English Language Learners

anonymity

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noun

Definition of anonymity for English Language Learners

: the quality or state of being unknown to most people : the quality or state of being anonymous

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See words that rhyme with anonymity Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for anonymity Spanish Central: Translation of anonymity Nglish: Translation of anonymity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of anonymity for Arabic speakers

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anonymity

Definition of anonymity

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Origin and Etymology of anonymity

anonymity Synonyms

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ANONYMITY Defined for English Language Learners

anonymity

Definition of anonymity for English Language Learners

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