as in novel
not known or experienced before
this is an unprecedented request for the reference desk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 unprecedented
Artificial wombs blur lines between fetus and patient, creating unprecedented scenarios for human development.
—
Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
An unprecedented internet blackout since January has largely cut people off from the outside world and made communication within Iran more difficult.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Peter Kreko, who runs a Budapest think tank, told me that this is unprecedented.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Generators argued that the unprecedented storm was responsible, not the companies.
—Mark Curriden, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprecedented
Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
An unprecedented internet blackout since January has largely cut people off from the outside world and made communication within Iran more difficult.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Peter Kreko, who runs a Budapest think tank, told me that this is unprecedented.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Generators argued that the unprecedented storm was responsible, not the companies.
—Mark Curriden, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprecedented
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unprecedented
Adjective
-
But police use of the novel technology has attracted criticism – and it’s been linked to other cases of misidentification.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The first is curiosity — the drive to generate novel questions, not just process existing ones.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Carson Benge homered in his first career game, going back-to-back with Francisco Alvarez at the bottom of a new-look lineup, and Freddy Peralta (1-0) won his Mets debut as New York improved to 42-23 on opening day before a sellout crowd of 41,449.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The Brewers are looking to the Blue Springs native to be their new ace and lead them back to the National League Championship Series, and maybe even further.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Some 18 months ago, Mack said, the Royals launched a deep dive after Picollo broached the possibility of exploring strange new worlds.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But rather than avoiding strange quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, Bennett and Brassard embraced them.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This is not an unfamiliar tap dance.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Learning a language, studying abroad, or simply traveling to experience something entirely unfamiliar to you.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Breakfast with thick waffles or puffy omelets come with housemade fresh cinnamon rolls the size of a baseball, drizzled with icing.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Across the Charlotte area, more than two dozen markets are offering fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and more, all while supporting local growers and makers.—
Evan Moore
March 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Doing groundbreaking, unheard-of things is becoming par for the course for Anthony.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Of the seven Spartans who saw the court, four played the full 40 minutes — an unheard-of stat in this day and age.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
If the rock star is a romantic individual who expresses some inner truth through original music, the idol is an omnicompetent interpreter of material.—
Mitch Therieau,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Though the original clip is authentic, showing seven dogs wandering down the side of a highway in northeastern Jilin province, Chinese state media has since debunked the narrative of their escape and journey home.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unprecedented.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprecedented. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
