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
This ditch will be filled by the end of April, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.
—
Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2026
This wasn’t totally unforeseen.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026
This reduces the risk of unforeseen physics complications needed for commercial operation, according to the Type One Energy.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Jan. 2026
Their ambition for recognition drives them to unforeseen consequences.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2026
This wasn’t totally unforeseen.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026
This reduces the risk of unforeseen physics complications needed for commercial operation, according to the Type One Energy.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Jan. 2026
Their ambition for recognition drives them to unforeseen consequences.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unforeseen
Adjective
-
In a June 2014 essay for Today in honor of Father's Day, Savannah reflected on her late dad, who died of a sudden heart attack in 1988.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Autonomous vehicles must be able to detect unpredictable behavior, anticipate sudden movement and respond instantly when children are present.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While the actual commercial will have to wait for Super Bowl Sunday, the Bosch teaser is another example of brands leaning on star power and unexpected humor to stand out in the weeks ahead of the game.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Jan. 2026
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To keep this oversized look from appearing stale, designers are being a bit more playful in their approach to silhouettes, balancing shorter crops with a wider hem or bringing an unexpected fabric into the mix.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unforeseen. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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