anonymous

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adjective anon·y·mous \ ə-ˈnä-nə-məs \

Definition of anonymous

1 :of unknown authorship or origin

an anonymous tip

2 :not named or identified

an anonymous author

They wish to remain anonymous.

3 :lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability

the anonymous faces in the crowd

… the gray anonymous streets …
—William Styron

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anonymously

adverb

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anonymousness

noun

See anonymous defined for English-language learners

See anonymous defined for kids

Examples of anonymous in a Sentence

The donor wishes to remain anonymous.
An anonymous buyer purchased the painting.
The college received an anonymous gift.
He made an anonymous phone call to the police.
The reporter got an anonymous tip.
His was just another anonymous face in the crowd.

Recent Examples of anonymous from the Web

Maddox told The Star that Rios had initiated an internal investigation into anonymous complaints made against Givens, but that the board had not heard any explanation from Givens about the complaints.

— mará rose williams, kansascity, "KCK community college names second acting president in less than a week," 19 July 2017
The anonymous caller reporter hearing a disturbance.

— carol robinson, AL.com, "69-year-old found dead in bed; Tuscaloosa County lawmen probing 2nd murder in 2 days," 18 July 2017
Anonymous emails can be sent via www.sdcrimestoppers.org.

— pauline repard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego police seek robber who hit 2 Subway shops," 18 July 2017
This was one of two thank you notes and gift cards placed on the windshields of Naperville Police Department squad cars in recent weeks by an anonymous person.

— bill bird, Naperville Sun, "Gift-bearing admirers make no secret they like Naperville cops," 18 July 2017
On Sunday, the Times publishes another story, this time citing five anonymous sources, two of whom are identified as advisors to the White House, saying Junior went to the meeting after being promised damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

— danielle tcholakian, Longreads, "But His Emails: The Evolving Story of Donald Trump, Jr.’s Russia Meeting," 11 July 2017
Callers may remain anonymous and may receive compensation for their information.

— cincinnati enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "Police arrest man in Ault Park robberies," 10 July 2017
Tipsters who want to remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward can call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

— carol robinson, AL.com, "Police trying to identify suspect in Hoover pharmacy holdup," 5 July 2017
Jack Picciolo, chairman of the Will County Veteran's Assistance Commission, worked with local veterans groups to secure $2,500 in cash donations, including $1,000 from an anonymous donor to purchase household items to help furnish the apartments.

— alicia fabbre, Daily Southtown, "Groups help needy veterans in Will County," 5 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of anonymous

Late Latin anonymus, from Greek anōnymos, from a- + onyma name — more at name

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1563

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anonymous Synonyms

Synonyms

certain, given, one, some, unidentified, unnamed, unspecified

Antonyms

baptized, christened, dubbed, named, termed

Related Words

particular, specific

Near Antonyms

known, named, specified

ANONYMOUS Defined for English Language Learners

anonymous

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adjective

Definition of anonymous for English Language Learners

: not named or identified
: made or done by someone unknown
: not distinct or noticeable : lacking interesting or unusual characteristics

ANONYMOUS Defined for Kids

anonymous

play

adjective anon·y·mous \ ə-ˈnä-nə-məs \

Definition of anonymous for Students

1 :not named or identified

an anonymous caller

2 :made or done by someone unknown

an anonymous phone call

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anonymously

adverb

A large sum has been anonymously donated.

Learn More about anonymous

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

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ANONYMOUS Defined for English Language Learners

anonymous

Definition of anonymous for English Language Learners

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anonymous

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