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
Avoid areas with unknown chemical treatments, standing water and unfamiliar plants.
—
Diana Bocco, USA Today, 15 May 2026
While the nature and scope of the investigation is unknown, reportedly the league’s antitrust exemptions granted through the Sports Broadcasting Act could be under review.
—Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
And everyone is making bets on the future, but the future is unknown.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Diana Bocco, USA Today, 15 May 2026
While the nature and scope of the investigation is unknown, reportedly the league’s antitrust exemptions granted through the Sports Broadcasting Act could be under review.
—Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
And everyone is making bets on the future, but the future is unknown.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
-
Alex Smalley will begin Sunday's final round of the PGA Championship in entirely unfamiliar territory as the 54-hole leader at Aronimink Golf Club.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
-
Guests clustered around tables in the ship’s new Parlor venue, carefully reading instructions to unfamiliar games while sipping cocktails.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
The creature changes color and shape instantly, solves novel problems, and even regrows damaged limbs.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
In 1987, such genuine earnestness in a song that was actually about something was novel and welcome to listeners like me, who felt alienated by Top 40 radio but were too sheltered to encounter, let alone embrace, hardcore or rap.—
Dan Kois,
Pitchfork,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
District leaders make up the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s obscure but powerful governing body that largely controls selecting judges, party priorities, and spending.—
Adam Davis,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
-
Joined by her septet and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Steven Reineke, Joy performed a medley of tunes — her own originals as well as standards and more obscure selections within the vocal jazz canon — to rapturous applause.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Apparently unbeknownst to the defendants, the meeting continued recording the next hour of interactions between the brothers.—
Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
14 May 2026
-
The third episode details the story of Joyce Pelzer, who was in a relationship with another woman when, unbeknownst to her girlfriend, she was arrested for killing her ex-girlfriend, Shawndell McLeod, and wife, Rosalyn Lewis.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
The band played a rather strange/disturbing version of Happy Birthday, and Bilbo’s cake appeared before us.—
Gregg Kilday,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2026
-
One monitor shows guitarist Jonny Greenwood manipulating a strange electronic device exuding tangled wires; another loops footage of a burning building.—
Jonathan Cohen,
SPIN,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Although attempts were made to wake her up through verbal and sternal stimuli, her difficulty breathing went unrecognized for 15 minutes.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Users should also check event logs for any unrecognized changes to DNS server settings.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Los Angeles Dodgers recently made an unprecedented move with perennial All-Star catcher Will Smith.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
The administration enlists tech firms like Palantir to spy on residents in unprecedented ways.—
Olivier Sylvain,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
And across all networks, just six new shows bow in the fall — with most waiting for post-football homes.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
Winston makes a cameo to execute another electric Ford Field trick play, and the Giants lose a close one with their offense starting to find a new gear.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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