Definition of unknownnext
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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

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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 unknown Details about the arrest are still unknown. Jasmine Mendez follow, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026 Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026 Until the joint attack was announced on Friday, Guerrero Flores’ whereabouts had been unknown. Uriel Blanco, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 Despite an extensive investigation at the time of his disappearance, Dennington's whereabouts remained unknown. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
  • The Iranian team took the field at SoFi Stadium after the news conference, allowing the players to familiarize themselves with the unfamiliar venue.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 June 2026
  • In the early stages of a relationship, self-expansion is largely automatic, as new partners are most inclined at this point to learn about each other’s unfamiliar interests, social circles, habits and ideas.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • This moving novel unfurls its truths one letter at a time, filling in a complex and memorable picture of one woman’s life.
    Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • The novel part of the counterclaim is the claim that TP-Link has successfully confused American consumers and retailers about ditching its Chinese ties.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • My family tree was obscure, its branches hidden.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • City authorities have cited the obscure commission’s denial as reason for not moving forward even though the City Council voted in favor of the project.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Residents, frustrated with Fuller’s unbeknownst move, reclaimed parts of the road just ahead of the mid-July festival, painting over the double yellow lines in their beloved colors.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Truth is stranger than fiction.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 17 June 2026
  • As Photay, Shornstein—a master synthesist and producer—flits between atmospheric house, dubby breakbeat workouts, and chirping electro funk, building his songs’ arrangements into strange, angular shapes.
    Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • First, the Bonus Jonas climbed off the stage and walked through the crowd while singing an unrecognized song to the audience.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2025
  • The latter was embodied flawlessly by Rhea Seehorn, seemingly emerging as far more than every TV critic’s favorite unrecognized actor.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In an unprecedented move, a stretch of Interstate 95 was shut down for days because of the thick smoke and flames.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
  • After that, Obsession’s business leaped an unprecedented 39% upward in its second weekend in theaters and a 14% jump in weekend three, before taking a mere 7% dip in weekend four.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Students at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill designed and 3D-printed a new version of the vuvuzela, the loud plastic horn that became infamous during past international soccer tournaments.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • At home, Carter began an hour-by-hour adjustment to his new life.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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