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
anonymously
adverbanonymousness
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
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.
-
The anonymous caller reporter hearing a disturbance.
-
Anonymous emails can be sent via www.sdcrimestoppers.org.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Callers may remain anonymous and may receive compensation for their information.
-
Tipsters who want to remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward can call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
-
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.
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
ANONYMOUS Defined for English Language Learners
anonymous
playDefinition 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
playDefinition of anonymous for Students
1 : not named or identified an anonymous caller
2 : made or done by someone unknown an anonymous phone call
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
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up anonymous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!