UNANTICIPATED Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

unanticipated

adjective

ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd

Definition of unanticipated

as in sudden

not expected ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program

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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 Guidance Tweak The future size of long-bond sales has been the subject of debate over the last week, after Treasury officials made an unanticipated tweak to their latest quarterly borrowing policy statement. — Greg Ritchie, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 The unanticipated problem now is that the rise of artificial intelligence is making machines capable of passing these tests. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 What risks could arise from blind spots or unanticipated changes in the environment? — Jim Deloach, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 In a statement to the Idaho Statesman, Crapo remained optimistic that the housing bill would become law despite the president’s unanticipated delay. — Mark Dee june 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unanticipated

Adjective

If not for the sudden availability of long-distance ocean transport (not to mention constant engineering challenges and the escalating cost of the plan), D-Day may have required far more woollen socks.

— Mike McRae September 16, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
Set on the eve of the Korean war, this ruminative story follows a midwestern family that’s fractured by a mother’s sudden disappearance.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

The Katonah Museum of Art is an unexpected stop for rotating exhibitions of cross-disciplinary visual art, while Philip Johnson’s Glass House in nearby New Canaan is also worth a half-day excursion.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
The scalloped trim along the front pockets is an unexpected detail that sets them apart from a standard pair of pants, while the relaxed silhouette is still easy to style with sweaters, tees, and button-downs.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of unexpected

Browse Nearby Words

unanswerable

unanticipated

unanticipatedly

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“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unanticipated. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unanticipated

adjective

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