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
Thomas walked onto the first tee with a white Holderness & Bourne shirt and tan belt, paired with Nantucket-red pants of unknown branding.
—
Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Such galaxies are rare but not unknown.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026
Labrinth scored the first two seasons of the series, and his current issue with the show is unknown.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
In 2016, researchers began to suspect the existence of a previously unknown croc species while examining archival remains from dozens of specimens at a museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Such galaxies are rare but not unknown.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026
Labrinth scored the first two seasons of the series, and his current issue with the show is unknown.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
In 2016, researchers began to suspect the existence of a previously unknown croc species while examining archival remains from dozens of specimens at a museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
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Then, as dawn approached, the unfamiliar bird calls (the archipelago is home to more than 150 species) would carry me back to land.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
15 Mar. 2026
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The infection took longer in orbit because microgravity is an unfamiliar stressor to which both microbes must adapt, the researchers suggest.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For six straight weeks, the stories and novel chapters handed in for my creative-writing class were predictably grim, and then, out of nowhere, a student revealed herself to be a true writer.—
Han Ong,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
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Overman said the trial is novel, but that there is still a long way to go before early immunotherapy can be considered a standard of care treatment for microsatellite stable colorectal cancer.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The office also, in one of its more obscure functions, licenses certain private cemeteries.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
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Assembled by Feltenstein and fellow animation expert Jerry Beck, the collection showcases classic appearances by Looney Tunes royalty (Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig), but also digs deeper to celebrate more obscure characters like Conrad Cat and Angelo the Mighty Flea.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
17 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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One thing was clear from the beginning — these strange objects were common.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
17 Mar. 2026
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It was written by Nicki Cortese and follows a man (Goggins) who wakes up in a strange house covered in blood and comes to realize his true identity while fighting off contract killers from his past, which includes everyone from his exes to his best friend.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Advertisement What often goes unrecognized is the sheer complexity behind these events.—
Oksana Masters,
Time,
6 Mar. 2026
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Women collaborators — editors, producers, wives — did essential, often unrecognized work enabling the trio’s rise.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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During recent propulsion trials, the vessel reached about 14 mph under sail alone in winds of around 23 mph, which the builder says is unprecedented for a sailing ship of this size.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
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The result has been unprecedented levels of outside spending and the rise of super political action committees capable of shaping elections with vast financial resources from a small number of donors.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Publicly available satellite imagery shows the school building was part of the military compound until about 2017, when a new wall was added to separate the two.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
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Rosenthal believes stories about kids feeling nervous or afraid to try new things connect with both children and adults.—
Lisa Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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