UNFORESEEN Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

unforeseen

adjective

ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn

Definition of unforeseen

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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of unforeseen Defenders of the emergency fees, which can be levied by HOA boards to address health and safety hazards or unforeseen expenses, say that long-standing infrastructure issues must be addressed, even if residents don’t like the price tag. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 With a concept that is like a twisted version of The Parent Trap, director Trudie Styler‘s sly comedy with drama shows what happens when the messy unforeseen circumstances of life and death interrupt a nasty divorce. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026 Services must keep running despite delays, connectivity failures, hardware problems and other unforeseen events such as severe weather. — Miroslav Katsarov, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026 Fate can also take a hand, with unforeseen developments bolstering one combatant’s negotiating position. — John R. Bolton, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unforeseen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unforeseen

Adjective

Sexton’s sudden departure forced Luka Doncic to re-enter a 20-point game.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
The scale-rich designs absorbed sudden, violent impacts without buckling, offered a massive range of tunable stiffness, and successfully cushioned delicate objects embedded deep inside them.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

Initially, there’s a light, playful energy to the arrangement, but as the song progresses, the orchestration projects, and a full symphony emerges, infusing the piece with an unexpected intensity and dramatic power.

— Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2026
The backlash directed at me on social media was not unexpected, especially from MAGA-centric followers of Ryan who lauded him for calling out the vile media that dared criticize his stadium.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026