unknown

adjective

ˌən-ˈnōn How to pronounce unknown (audio)
Definition of unknownnext
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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unknown Its origins are unknown but scientific analysis of sediments published in 2021 revealed the giant was probably first cut in the late Saxon period, between 700 and 1100 AD. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 7 July 2026 In contrast to these grave descriptions, an unknown Irish monk from the ninth century offers a more lighthearted view of scriptorium life. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 An unknown male is believed to have left prior to police arriving. — Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 The uncertainty surrounding thousands of people whose whereabouts remain unknown remains one of the most painful aspects of the disaster. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
  1. unfamiliar
  2. novel
  3. obscure
  4. unbeknownst
  5. strange
  6. unrecognized
  7. unprecedented
  8. new
Adjective
  • The work is unfamiliar and seems risky, in precisely the ways advanced mathematics or learning to read complex texts may have seemed foreign to our agricultural-era counterparts.
    — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026
  • Entering new markets can trigger unfamiliar regulatory obligations.
    — Blake Harris, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of unfamiliar
Adjective
  • For a refreshing change, try commenting on something novel, happy-clappy, borrowed or blue.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026
  • SpaceX settled on this novel architecture for several reasons.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • Intentionally vague and obscure, the Daodejing would go on to inspire various interpretations ranging from philosophical reflections to how to realize the Dao in everyday practice.
    — Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • The end of legal slavery in New York should not be an obscure historical fact.
    — Tunisia Morrison, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • However, unbeknownst to the girls, the men left the original villa setting and snuck away to Casa Amor, a second filming location where six bombshells in sexy costumes were waiting to steal guys' hearts.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • That same night, unbeknownst to friends and family, the couple spontaneously wed in a courthouse wedding.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
Definition of unbeknownst
Adjective
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives strange interview after Morocco World Cup loss.
    — Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • However, an unrecognized species of Asian pangolin (Manis aurita) has been hidden among the trees of Nepal and Northern India.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 July 2026
  • Further, growing fields like cardiovascular perfusionists, more and more involved in ICU care, field resuscitation, organ preservation, and other support roles, remain unrecognized.
    — David S. Shapiro, STAT, 30 June 2026
Definition of unrecognized
Adjective
  • The high rate of kills prompted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to take the unprecedented step of euthanizing four gray wolves from the Beyem Seyo pack that were responsible for 70 livestock deaths in less than six months.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • But the lack of wide public and professional input the arch design received before it was reviewed by commissioners is unprecedented for memorials in Washington, historians critical of the process said.
    — Chiara Eisner, NPR, 8 July 2026
Definition of unprecedented
Adjective
  • Buckhead Heritage, a historic preservation organization, will make a historic building its new headquarters after reaching an agreement with Atlanta Public Schools.
    — Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 7 July 2026
  • The airlines haven’t yet announced what their new, combined frequent flyer program will look like, however.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of new

Browse Nearby Words

unknowledgeable
unknown
unlace
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Cite this Entry

“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unknown for Spanish Speakers

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