variants
also unbeknown
as in unknown
happening or existing without one's knowledge
unbeknownst to me, my mother was planning a party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 unbeknownst
She is joined once again by her Gen Z writing partner Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), who — unbeknownst to Deborah — got drunk and sent a nasty email about Deborah to some equally nasty producers.
—
Karla Peterson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2022
Reportedly, unbeknownst to Eastwood himself, director Petersen told Rene Russo to gently grab the actor’s hand off-camera during a key point in the monologue, which prompted this rare display of real emotion.
—Vulture, 19 Aug. 2022
Whitley never performed at the CMA Awards and never became a member of the Grand Ole Opry (though unbeknownst to him, his Opry invitation was set for three weeks after his passing).
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 17 May 2022
In fact, unbeknownst to scientists until recently, ancient cities also dealt with toxic pollution; and the blooms may even have contributed to the eventual demise of civilizations.
—Marisa Sloan, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2022
See All Example Sentences for unbeknownst
Karla Peterson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2022
Reportedly, unbeknownst to Eastwood himself, director Petersen told Rene Russo to gently grab the actor’s hand off-camera during a key point in the monologue, which prompted this rare display of real emotion.
—Vulture, 19 Aug. 2022
Whitley never performed at the CMA Awards and never became a member of the Grand Ole Opry (though unbeknownst to him, his Opry invitation was set for three weeks after his passing).
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 17 May 2022
In fact, unbeknownst to scientists until recently, ancient cities also dealt with toxic pollution; and the blooms may even have contributed to the eventual demise of civilizations.
—Marisa Sloan, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2022
See All Example Sentences for unbeknownst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbeknownst
unknown
Adjective
-
The plane crashed into mountainous terrain in unknown circumstances, according to preliminary information, the National Transportation Safety Board said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Set on the eve of the German invasion of Belgium and the Netherlands, the drama explores the situation for Belgian Jews, torn between staying in their homeland amid or fleeing for an unknown destiny, through the prism of a love story and the microcosm of the broadcast radio world.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unbeknownst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbeknownst. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
