as in sudden
not expected
there are almost always unforeseen consequences for any major endeavor unforeseen problems delayed the project beyond its deadline
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 unforeseen
Netanyahu is a consummate tactician and excels at leveraging unforeseen circumstances to bolster his political position.
—
Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
Heightened levels of neural entropy — at the whole brain level — could be thought of as an unforeseen tropical thunderstorm rolling through the brain, indicating a richer, more chaotic, unpredictable state of neural activity.
—Conor Feehly, Big Think, 10 Mar. 2026
The Groomzilla is, by definition, an aberration, unforeseen.
—Rachel Hodin, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
The subsequent nosedive was unforeseen.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
Heightened levels of neural entropy — at the whole brain level — could be thought of as an unforeseen tropical thunderstorm rolling through the brain, indicating a richer, more chaotic, unpredictable state of neural activity.
—Conor Feehly, Big Think, 10 Mar. 2026
The Groomzilla is, by definition, an aberration, unforeseen.
—Rachel Hodin, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
The subsequent nosedive was unforeseen.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Mar. 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,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Garry Moore, 66, pleaded guilty in January to voluntary manslaughter, a Level 2 felony, under sudden heat.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
My in-destination partners are equipped to handle any unexpected challenges swiftly, maintaining the quality and enjoyment of your travel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
-
In that appearance, Richins said their father's passing was unexpected.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unforeseen. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
