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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of unknown
The Federal Bureau of Prisons previously showed Sidhu scheduled to be released on June 29, but now lists his release date as unknown.
—
Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 27 June 2025
At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025
Bell’s status for the start of training camp is unknown.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 17 June 2025
The reality is the college application essay is an assignment of significant consequence with unclear criteria for an unknown audience.
—Scott White, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 27 June 2025
At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025
Bell’s status for the start of training camp is unknown.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 17 June 2025
The reality is the college application essay is an assignment of significant consequence with unclear criteria for an unknown audience.
—Scott White, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
-
Do not install anything from random links, especially those shared through ads, messages or unfamiliar websites. 2.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2025
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This is not an unfamiliar situation—the trust funds faced insolvency back in the early 1980s.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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This novel satellite system has allowed the researchers to produce the first ever full year of satellite tracking data over Canada, according to Western University.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
20 June 2025
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There are some new and novel ideas that might provide a way around this challenge.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Their final products include paintings, sketches, audio recordings, sculptures and videos of some of the Louvre’s most iconic artworks, as well as some of its more obscure.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 June 2025
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Answers vary from obvious to obscure, some citing culture or clutch performances, while others cling to cliches that this club is turning into truths.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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The night before the baby junco landed in the research team’s net, a strange, shifting light filtered through the forest, not far from where the Long Trail, Vermont’s end-to-end hiking route, traverses the Mount Mansfield ridgeline.—
Madeline Bodin,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 June 2025
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But one of the strangest well wishes came not from a person, but a 1,400-foot-tall building.—
Stephen Daw,
Billboard,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The problem is compounded in many parts of the country — particularly Arab towns, unrecognized Bedouin villages and older Jewish neighborhoods — where shelter infrastructure is limited or nonexistent.—
Deborah Danan,
Sun Sentinel,
26 June 2025
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Despite her achievements, Rosa was forgotten and unrecognized.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
16 June 2025
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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The Chinese military has concluded its unprecedented dual aircraft carrier deployment in the broader western Pacific, as one of the warships was spotted leaving the region, Japan has said.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
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Thousands of vibrant fragments, which once adorned a high-status Roman building, offer an unprecedented glimpse into the artistic sophistication and daily life of ancient Londinium, and their rearrangement is showcasing artworks that have remained hidden for over 1,800 years.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Its intuitive editing tools, combined with accessibility through platforms like Google Gemini, Flow, Vids, and Vertex AI, open new frontiers for filmmakers, marketers, educators, and game designers alike.—
Sahar Hashmi,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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Pair it with flat sandals and a woven bag for exploring a new city, or transition to cooler temps with a cardigan or denim jacket.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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