variants
also unbid
as in unwanted
not searched or asked for
she arrived, unbidden, to help out at the Red Cross center
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 unbidden
To be clear, expecting a union to fairly represent even nonmembers isn’t a burden imposed unbidden on an unwilling victim.
—
Jeff Rhodes, Oc Register, 30 July 2025
The answer comes to her unbidden — as Polly One (Exarchopoulos) leans over the bar, Jess sees the name FELIX tramp-stamped on her back.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
Standards from every period of our lives remain cross-indexed in our brains to be called up in whole, or in part, or, in fact, to come to mind unbidden.
—E.l. Doctorow, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Eliza Barry Callahan’s The Hearing Test seems to be about a temporary loss of hearing but is actually one woman’s rehearsal for the losses that come, unbidden, for us all.
—The New York Review of Books, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for unbidden
Jeff Rhodes, Oc Register, 30 July 2025
The answer comes to her unbidden — as Polly One (Exarchopoulos) leans over the bar, Jess sees the name FELIX tramp-stamped on her back.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
Standards from every period of our lives remain cross-indexed in our brains to be called up in whole, or in part, or, in fact, to come to mind unbidden.
—E.l. Doctorow, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Eliza Barry Callahan’s The Hearing Test seems to be about a temporary loss of hearing but is actually one woman’s rehearsal for the losses that come, unbidden, for us all.
—The New York Review of Books, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for unbidden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbidden
Adjective
-
But at least one regional planner is calling on lawmakers to be sure there are no unwanted loopholes or unintended consequences, and a Woodbury pastor is calling on the state to reject the idea.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
4 Mar. 2026
-
In addition to deterring unwanted visitors or critters, these flood lights have also become popular among pet owners for another purpose.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Other red flags include unsolicited offers, pressuring homeowners to pay in cash or to write checks to individuals, along with a lack of a contractor's license or other credentials.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
But unsolicited baked goods may cause too many problems at a children’s party.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Wardens were previously required to provide, as well as cover the cost of, hormonal drugs and medically unnecessary procedures to prisoners who sought to physically alter themselves to appear as the opposite sex.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
-
When the skin barrier is healthy, treatment ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides can work more effectively without triggering unnecessary inflammation or dryness.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The victim told deputies that from November to December 2025, Trujillo allegedly came to the victim's home three times- uninvited.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In addition, at least two Democrats were uninvited to a White House dinner, according to their offices.—
Mariana Alfaro,
Washington Post,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Previous iterations of the program have struggled to follow instructions and often make unasked-for changes.—
Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
16 Dec. 2025
-
Finally, a bit of unasked for advice to all burgeoning pop music stars whose life could become a jukebox musical: maybe go on tour a little bit less?—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unbidden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbidden. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
