unsanctioned

adjective

un·​sanc·​tioned ˌən-ˈsaŋ(k)-shənd How to pronounce unsanctioned (audio)
Synonyms of unsanctionednext
: lacking effective or authoritative approval or consent : not sanctioned
an unsanctioned boxing match
… a solution unsanctioned by educated custom …Edward Finegan

Examples of unsanctioned in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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When leaders discover unsanctioned AI use, the right response is not to shut it down immediately. David Chou, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 The unsanctioned practice is intended to push the city and county toward improving safety infrastructure for pedestrians. Austin Turner, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026 Puma’s Popovic believes unsanctioned races have taken over for run clubs as the best form of community building. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025 Meanwhile, Iran has complained to the United Nations and the International Telecommunication Union about unsanctioned Starlink activity within the country, and demanded it be shut down. PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsanctioned

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsanctioned was in 1785

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Cite this Entry

“Unsanctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsanctioned. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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