as in sudden
not expected
ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program
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 unanticipated
Insurers continue to clarify AI coverage by introducing endorsements that affirm coverage for certain AI risks or by adding exclusions to standard policies to avoid unanticipated exposure.
—
John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
In 2012, Connecticut passed the first Sewage Right-to-Know law requiring DEEP to post the locations of combined sewer overflows and to begin posting unanticipated sewage spills on the agency’s website.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2026
Despite surging inflation and tariff and trade policies that seemed to shift with the wind, automakers from all over the world delivered some unanticipated goodies for customers.
—Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Sharp turns and unanticipated curves also surprise infrequent drivers here, especially when following or, worse, being pressured from behind by local drivers who are easily frustrated by the tourist tempo.
—Crai S Bower, Outside, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unanticipated
John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
In 2012, Connecticut passed the first Sewage Right-to-Know law requiring DEEP to post the locations of combined sewer overflows and to begin posting unanticipated sewage spills on the agency’s website.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2026
Despite surging inflation and tariff and trade policies that seemed to shift with the wind, automakers from all over the world delivered some unanticipated goodies for customers.
—Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Sharp turns and unanticipated curves also surprise infrequent drivers here, especially when following or, worse, being pressured from behind by local drivers who are easily frustrated by the tourist tempo.
—Crai S Bower, Outside, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unanticipated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unanticipated
Adjective
-
Loose, fast, and slightly jerky steps, a sudden joy sweeping through the body like a wind.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This design helps prevent the air from escaping during sudden movements or changes in orientation.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While the actual commercial will have to wait for Super Bowl Sunday, the Bosch teaser is another example of brands leaning on star power and unexpected humor to stand out in the weeks ahead of the game.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Jan. 2026
-
To keep this oversized look from appearing stale, designers are being a bit more playful in their approach to silhouettes, balancing shorter crops with a wider hem or bringing an unexpected fabric into the mix.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unanticipated. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
