as in sudden
not expected ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program

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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 unanticipated Scorekeeping watchers note that gap is due to the unanticipated COVID-19 pandemic and resulting high inflation. Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 6 June 2025 The remaining production allows the company flexibility to meet unanticipated market demand. Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Hundreds more defaults than expected meant $68 million in unanticipated loan write-offs. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 May 2025 The result marks an unanticipated setback for Merz who was widely expected to secure the necessary votes and be officially sworn in later in the day. Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unanticipated
Adjective
  • Her particular specialism is making sudden bursts towards the near post, staying in the defender’s blind spot before suddenly jumping ahead of her marker to turn home a simple chance, often laid on a plate at club level by Caroline Graham Hansen, with whom Pajor also worked well at Wolfsburg.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • Given the sudden burst of interest, agentic AI risks becoming something that’s all too common in business: a topic that everyone is talking about, but that few people actually understand.
    Tomas Gorny, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Aquarius: Eclectic nostalgia Original and unexpected, Aquarius mixes cutting-edge trends with their own unique flair.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Playing his career for the Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings show a perfect example of an unexpected pay cut for a player.
    Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unanticipated. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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