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
Within minutes, an unforeseen blizzard unleashed what would become the worst storm ever recorded in the Pyrenees.
—
Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 15 May 2026
Bourgeois-Tacquet’s elevator pitch — unforeseen circumstances lead Gabrielle, a workaholic 55-year-old surgeon, to question her life choices — isn’t exactly earth-shaking, and the film lacks the propulsive spontaneity that made Anaïs in Love such an off-kilter delight.
—Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
The method shows promise in helping to curb warming temperatures due to climate change, however there may be unforeseen ecological consequences.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 13 May 2026
The center’s last several years have seen many unforeseen difficulties, Kostecki said.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 15 May 2026
Bourgeois-Tacquet’s elevator pitch — unforeseen circumstances lead Gabrielle, a workaholic 55-year-old surgeon, to question her life choices — isn’t exactly earth-shaking, and the film lacks the propulsive spontaneity that made Anaïs in Love such an off-kilter delight.
—Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
The method shows promise in helping to curb warming temperatures due to climate change, however there may be unforeseen ecological consequences.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 13 May 2026
The center’s last several years have seen many unforeseen difficulties, Kostecki said.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 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,
4 June 2026
-
There was a sudden flourishing of knives, blades flashing in the market lights.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Brith, who is ahead and in charge, is taking as her guide the stream, which sparks in the sunlight, cutting a narrow channel through the hillside, weaving itself around rocks and tree trunks, appearing and disappearing, diving underground then springing up in unexpected places.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
Bathrooms offer floor-to-ceiling black-and-white tile and benefit from natural light, adding an unexpected touch of polish to the otherwise playful design.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unforeseen. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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