unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
1
: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten rule
2
: containing no writing : blank

Examples of unwritten in a Sentence

They had an unwritten agreement. an unwritten contract may not be enforceable
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.
By breaking the unwritten rule of playing with another person’s tarot cards, each of the friends are stalked by ancient astrologer who bound her soul to the deck bu physically manifesting herself as the ghoulish characters pictured on the cards they were dealt. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 As the two worked on a laptop, the harmonies and unwritten connective tissue seemed to return to Wilson, Sahanaja said. Steve Marble, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025 And the good news is that the rest of his story remains unwritten. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 16 May 2025 There are unwritten rules for some young law clerks who go to work for federal judges. Carrie Johnson, NPR, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unwritten

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwritten was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwritten. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

unwritten

adjective
un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈrit-ᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not put in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten law
2
: containing no writing : blank
unwritten pages

More from Merriam-Webster on unwritten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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