the unknown
noun
: a place, situation, or thing that is not known about or understood
explorers venturing off into the unknown
: a situation that one is unfamiliar with
A fear of the unknown kept her from changing jobs.
Examples of the unknown in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Each crew faced danger, discovery, and the thrill of the unknown.
—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 8 Aug. 2025
The success rate for Tommy John surgery is high, but for a pitcher without the stability of a dedicated roster spot, the unknown is brutal.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
In a rousing, NASA-like launch, the Fantastic Four blast off into the unknown to meet this Galactus.
—Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 July 2025
Perhaps the unknown is what feels unsettling for the child left behind.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the unknown
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.
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 8 Aug. 2025
The success rate for Tommy John surgery is high, but for a pitcher without the stability of a dedicated roster spot, the unknown is brutal.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
In a rousing, NASA-like launch, the Fantastic Four blast off into the unknown to meet this Galactus.
—Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 July 2025
Perhaps the unknown is what feels unsettling for the child left behind.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the unknown
Cite this Entry
“The unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20unknown. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share