1
as in unfamiliar
happening or existing without one's knowledge
unknown to me was the fact that while I was out, my family was hurriedly preparing a surprise birthday party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in novel
not known or experienced before
becoming a father brought unknown joy to his life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obscure
not widely known
looking for a relatively unknown singer to record the song
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of unknown
The exact location of the encounter at sea remains unknown.
—
Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Each night, strange visitors whisper litanies in an unknown tongue.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
Much about the new species's lifestyle and behavior remains unknown.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
Known for its seafood and offshore oil and gas, Plaquemines is also where an unknown rose withstood the brutal force of Hurricane Katrina.
—Jessica Jordan, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Each night, strange visitors whisper litanies in an unknown tongue.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
Much about the new species's lifestyle and behavior remains unknown.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
Known for its seafood and offshore oil and gas, Plaquemines is also where an unknown rose withstood the brutal force of Hurricane Katrina.
—Jessica Jordan, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
-
Even what a new employee might feel on their very first day — welcomed, oriented, and inspired, or lost in a maze of unfamiliar faces and spaces.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 Sep. 2025
-
During their daytime searches, researchers found several unfamiliar-looking lizards, the study said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
New York — At the heart of the case against the man accused of the Gilgo Beach killings is DNA evidence — but the novel way that evidence was tested may now determine whether prosecutors can use it against their prime suspect, Long Island architect and family man Rex Heuermann.—
Michelle Watson,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 2025
-
This discovery opens the door to developing novel interventions to improve attention and memory, as well as designing brain-computer interface technology that enhances selective processing and the storing of information.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The brand’s giant green owl mascot dances badly, makes obscure pop culture references and pokes fun at the company’s push notifications.—
Leeron Walter,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Indeed, compared to 2005’s Broken Flowers, this is a wilfully obscure step back to his deadpan, experimental roots, a gentle, almost deliberately un-film that is best not viewed in too much proximity to the witching hour.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Because something very strange happens here.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Probably not, given the company’s strange hesitance to part ways with its current leadership.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Fortunately, the New York Fed president was Benjamin Strong, an unrecognized great American.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Ukraine could, for example, withdraw its troops from particular areas without making any formal territorial concessions, creating an unrecognized but indefinite line of separation, like the one that followed the Korean armistice, in 1953, or the division of Berlin, during the Cold War.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie turned the wizardly backstory into an epic adventure, opening a gateway for young unbeknownst fantasy fans everywhere while also delivering a classically wholesome story about the importance of family and a parent's unconditional love.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
1 July 2024
-
For a surprise at the end, unbeknownst even to King, Winfrey arranged a path lined with sparklers, framing the couple in a golden glow against the night sky.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2024
Adjective
-
An unprecedented marine heatwave in 2023 caused bleaching events that severely damaged many of Florida's reefs.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Indeed, concentration camps prove to be a viable political option with a friendly Supreme Court ready to affirm President Cadwallader’s unprecedented use of executive orders.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That new equalized funding formula went into effect after a three-year transition period in 2024, when 44 groups each got $9,269, according to the three-year awards report.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Swiss transportation company Twiliner is kicking off a new night bus service later this year that will be more akin to a business class airline seat than your typical bus.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share