as in sudden
not expected
there are almost always unforeseen consequences for any major endeavor unforeseen problems delayed the project beyond its deadline
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Recent Examples of unforeseen
When stars are below-zero, any move can backfire in unforeseen ways.
—
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Their ambition for recognition drives them to unforeseen consequences.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
The planetary moonwalk commences on the 26th, twelve days after Valentine’s Day, and is plotting and sussing out the story, so beware of mishaps, missteps, unforeseen issues, travel delays, the resurrection of exes, and awkward moments.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
Healthy fiscal space is important for both long-term development as well as a government’s capacity to respond to an unforeseen event, such as a pandemic.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Their ambition for recognition drives them to unforeseen consequences.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
The planetary moonwalk commences on the 26th, twelve days after Valentine’s Day, and is plotting and sussing out the story, so beware of mishaps, missteps, unforeseen issues, travel delays, the resurrection of exes, and awkward moments.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
Healthy fiscal space is important for both long-term development as well as a government’s capacity to respond to an unforeseen event, such as a pandemic.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unforeseen
Adjective
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Porzingis — who the Warriors traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield for — had also missed Sunday’s win over the Nuggets with a sudden illness.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
As per the study, the fossils reveal a surprisingly diverse marine amphibian community that maintained unexpected transoceanic connections worldwide.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Here, a tray of fresh flowers and a bowl of vintage keys adds unexpected yet delightful style to an empty spot on the counter.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unforeseen. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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