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
But if bad weather or any other factors like an unforeseen issue with the spacecraft halts the countdown, NASA has several other backup dates available in April.
—
Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 31 Mar. 2026
Hefty extra wattage is apparently needed to keep the Mar-a-Lago lights on in the event of an unforeseen disaster such as a war, or flying sports court glass, or a late ketchup delivery.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the two-time World Series champion and Red Sox all-time leader in games played at shortstop will be on the field this time.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
One unforeseen storm might send users looking for an alternative.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 31 Mar. 2026
Hefty extra wattage is apparently needed to keep the Mar-a-Lago lights on in the event of an unforeseen disaster such as a war, or flying sports court glass, or a late ketchup delivery.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the two-time World Series champion and Red Sox all-time leader in games played at shortstop will be on the field this time.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
One unforeseen storm might send users looking for an alternative.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unforeseen
Adjective
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Church officials say the sudden loss of funding could force the organization to end its operations tied to migrant children within three months.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Brace positions are a safety protocol that flight attendants follow in case of accidents and sudden emergencies.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The list is eclectic and unexpected, composed of some of the museum’s greatest hits as well as quieter pieces susceptible to being overlooked.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
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For every snapshot of Americans at leisure — riding snowmobiles, hanging in barbershops, attending local football matches — there are multiple scenes of conflict and ire, sometimes in unexpected formations.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unforeseen. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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