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 So, a couple of things arise from that, though, that present their own unanticipated challenges. Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025 Those conditions include expenses from unexpected outages, emergencies or new and unanticipated compliance requirements by the end of 2026, according to its agreement with the Department of Energy. Calmatters, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025 The complications arising from unanticipated setbacks in feedback processes are well known, both in control engineering and systems engineering. Tariq Samad, IEEE Spectrum, 17 July 2025 Excessive optimism soon grew into hubris, setting the United States up for unanticipated difficulties in Afghanistan and Iraq. H. R. McMaster, Foreign Affairs, 1 June 2020 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unanticipated
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Sources close to the couple said the breakup was far from sudden.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The leader of a local hoteliers group involved in planning the Aftershock Festival said rain on the morning of the opening day was unexpected.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Comedian Bill Burr, after performing at the show’s opening night on Friday, defended the project on his podcast, suggesting that the cultural exchange could have unexpected benefits.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unanticipated. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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