1
as in unfamiliar
happening or existing without one's knowledge
unknown to me was the fact that while I was out, my family was hurriedly preparing a surprise birthday party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in novel
not known or experienced before
becoming a father brought unknown joy to his life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obscure
not widely known
looking for a relatively unknown singer to record the song
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of unknown
Chicago police said a male of unknown age was found dead on train tracks on the CTA’s Blue Line on Saturday morning.
—
William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
But the current status of the Orlando warehouse plan remains unknown.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Now, Reaves is no longer available, and Smart’s future status is still unknown.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Later that month, his daughter, who lives abroad, received a call from an unknown number informing her that her brother had been shot and killed.
—Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unknown
William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
But the current status of the Orlando warehouse plan remains unknown.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Now, Reaves is no longer available, and Smart’s future status is still unknown.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Later that month, his daughter, who lives abroad, received a call from an unknown number informing her that her brother had been shot and killed.
—Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
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But South Carolina answered right back to extend their lead to five with UConn finding themselves in an unfamiliar position — trailing at the end of three quarters for the first time this season.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
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The general sentiment is that Apple is at a crossroads, caught between the ethos that shaped the company and a technological shift that's forcing it to compete on unfamiliar ground.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,
CNBC,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Only a fraction of the human genome is involved in making antibodies, and yet the potential of this section to recombine in novel ways is almost limitless.—
Jerome Groopman,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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Netflix picked up the first two seasons of Sullivan’s Crossing two months later, introducing a broader audience to the show based on the best-selling novel series by Robyn Carr.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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More elderly people could find themselves at the mercy of an obscure government program meant to save them from harm and preserve their dignity when their ability to take care of themselves is diminished.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Lyrics in the song include clear references to Taylor’s life and style, and also some more obscure Easter-egg-type reference.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie turned the wizardly backstory into an epic adventure, opening a gateway for young unbeknownst fantasy fans everywhere while also delivering a classically wholesome story about the importance of family and a parent's unconditional love.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
1 July 2024
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For a surprise at the end, unbeknownst even to King, Winfrey arranged a path lined with sparklers, framing the couple in a golden glow against the night sky.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2024
Adjective
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Stars wield power in professional sports, and that power can lead to some strange requests of their employers.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
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Pocahontas will arrive with her very own Yehakin and help unravel the mystery behind a strange phenomenon affecting the Moon and the tides around the Valley.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Yet, like the Academy, the movie business at large has its blind spots; some of Iran’s best films remain unrecognized in the United States.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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The college sits within a cluster of other unaccredited schools—many of them religious institutions—whose degrees hold no weight in the civil service and often go unrecognized in higher education and most workplaces.—
Olivia Empson,
Vanity Fair,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Over the past year, according to earlier Post reporting, an unprecedented number of Aurora detainees have been granted voluntary departures — essentially deportations without a more punitive court order.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
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The crew will capture unprecedented views of the moon’s far side, including portions of Orientale Basin never before seen by humans.—
Marcia Dunn,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Even the more politically active class of nonprofits — 501(c)(4) groups, like the relatively new American Hunters and Anglers — can’t make political activity its primary activity.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
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The Colorado Rockies are rolling out a lineup of new food offerings ahead of Opening Day, featuring everything from oversized hot dogs to inventive twists on classic ballpark staples.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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