unanticipated

adjective

un·​an·​tic·​i·​pat·​ed ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd How to pronounce unanticipated (audio)
Synonyms of unanticipatednext
: not anticipated : unexpected, unforeseen
unanticipatedly adverb

Examples of unanticipated in a Sentence

The new policy has had some unanticipated side effects. ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Law of Unintended Consequences says that every action has some unanticipated effect. David Kay, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026 Another concern is that, just like in Jurassic Park, something unanticipated could go terribly wrong. Rob Stein, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026 Vladislav Gavrikov, who was voted the team’s best defenseman last year but deemphasized in the playoffs, went from a slam-dunk re-signing to an unanticipated departure, similar to Matt Roy a year earlier. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026 Tuesday at the legislature will provide an unanticipated test of whether the 14 members of the committee that acts on regulations–the only committee with an equal number of Democrats and Republicans–will act to ban the sale of opioids in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unanticipated was circa 1779

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Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unanticipated. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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