unbeknownst to

idiom

chiefly US
: without being known about by (someone)
Unbeknownst to the students, the teacher had entered the room.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web But unbeknownst to either of us, the now large gap in her dress where the missing button should have been made the take unusable. Breanne L. Heldman, Peoplemag, 12 May 2023 The Times was running a contest, unbeknownst to Tom, and Perini Ranch’s tenderloin was picked as a winner just before Christmastime. Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas News, 4 May 2023 Some counties — including Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess, near the city — still did not recognize online ministers, unbeknownst to some New Yorkers seeking to be wed on a picturesque farm upstate or a sandy beach in the Hamptons. Megan Ditrolio, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2023 Behind-the-scenes, Kate is being considered as the next vice president, unbeknownst to her. Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Apr. 2023 But officials said fentanyl isn’t the only dangerous ingredient making its way into street drugs, unbeknownst to users. Journal Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2023 But, unbeknownst to Jackson, one of his roommates was allegedly dealing drugs. Hilton Als, The New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2023 By that time, unbeknownst to Patton, Hale had shattered glass doors and entered the Covenant School. Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2023 Thomas and at least one other hiker decided to turn back during the hike, unbeknownst to Johnson, and Thomas fell to his death. Bill Bowden, Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unbeknownst to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near unbeknownst to

Cite this Entry

“Unbeknownst to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbeknownst%20to. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

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