1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an unplanned change in our itinerary—we got lost!
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation
stumbled through a completely unplanned acceptance speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unplanned
Tartikoff seemed to almost prophetically get how many more steps would soon be taken, all leading to Jimmy Kimmel going on an unplanned vacation and Stephen Colbert on a permanent one.
—
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
Vanessa LeMaistre claimed in a complaint that the hip-hop producer drugged and raped her in a 2016 incident that allegedly led to an unplanned pregnancy.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Behind the fairytale ascent to fame, Cardinale’s personal life was complicated due to an unplanned pregnancy just as her career was taking off.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
And in 1929, Lee made her first burlesque appearance — an unplanned performance after years as a vaudeville act — before going on to become the world’s most famous striptease artist.
—Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
Vanessa LeMaistre claimed in a complaint that the hip-hop producer drugged and raped her in a 2016 incident that allegedly led to an unplanned pregnancy.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Behind the fairytale ascent to fame, Cardinale’s personal life was complicated due to an unplanned pregnancy just as her career was taking off.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
And in 1929, Lee made her first burlesque appearance — an unplanned performance after years as a vaudeville act — before going on to become the world’s most famous striptease artist.
—Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unplanned
Adjective
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At the time, Anderson called it an accidental error.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The Americans started brightly and confidently, getting control in midfield and probing with intent, but chances were rare, with the first real effort somewhat accidental as Zavier Gozo’s cross from the left clipped the top of the bar.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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And then, after that, Edgecombe goes through another impromptu workout with development guru and Sixers assistant Rico Hines.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
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Between Kim Kardashian’s new power pixie and Kris Jenner’s impromptu platinum bleach job, there seems to be a Freaky Friday situation going down at the KarJenners’ this week.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In the kitchen arena, standouts include KitchenAid stand mixers of course, however the Drew Barrymore toaster was an unexpected strong performer in our best toaster test update this year.—
Melissa Knific,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Oct. 2025
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An unexpected winner from this round robin of renos is the W Union Square (from $650), which celebrated the completion of its $100 million renovation spearheaded by the Rockwell Group this September.—
Jake Emen,
Robb Report,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Deep shots, screens, improvised plays, even a flea-flicker touchdown to Luther Burden III.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
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Two months later, the group launched more than two dozen attacks across northeastern Syria, relying on a combination of guerrilla tactics, including small arms fire, ambushes, assassinations, and improvised explosive devices targeting military checkpoints and government vehicles.—
Caroline Rose,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While most of the multiplayer modes are different flavors of the same idea, there’s a perpetually improvisational element that makes Battlefield 6 shine where other shooters falter.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
9 Oct. 2025
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Songs were influenced by improvisational and bebop jazz, as well as gospel.—
Jenny Adams,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unplanned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unplanned. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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