unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
Synonyms of unwrittennext
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.
Hidden somewhere in the unwritten margins of Jackson's story are the mechanisms that create monsters of men. Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026 The game is built on the unwritten rules. Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 Later, the contents of the estate are distributed to the deceased’s relatives in accordance with state law, even if this differs from the deceased’s unwritten wishes. James Malm, The Conversation, 1 June 2026 The final beat leaves Ava and Deborah walking down the Vegas Strip in a jovial mood, Deborah’s fate still unwritten; the treatment may or may not work. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026 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 12 Jun. 2026.

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

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