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
Chinese social media was abuzz with speculation over the weekend after footage appeared to show missiles being fired at unknown objects in the night sky.
—
Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
His greatest legacy…was stepping back to build Sundance, creating a stage where unknown voices could become tomorrow’s visionaries.
—Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
There is no update on the containment of the fire and its cause remains unknown.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
His greatest legacy…was stepping back to build Sundance, creating a stage where unknown voices could become tomorrow’s visionaries.
—Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
There is no update on the containment of the fire and its cause remains unknown.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
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Recent studies suggest that competing on surfaces with unfamiliar mechanical properties – such as stiffness and elasticity – can accelerate neuromuscular fatigue.—
Michael Hales,
The Conversation,
9 Sep. 2025
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Later, while sifting through their collections, researchers noticed three unfamiliar-looking fish, the 2025 study said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Universal Pictures has pushed back the release of Other Mommy, its horror film from Atomic Monster, based on the novel Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (Bird Box).—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
16 Sep. 2025
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New Therapies Targeting Inflammaging While lifestyle interventions remain fundamental, advances in biomedical research are yielding novel therapies that target the underlying mechanisms of inflammation.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For instance, in a now obscure 1944 speech, Franklin Delano Roosevelt argued that the American Revolution remained an incomplete project.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Sep. 2025
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Department and team-level metrics expose inefficiency that company-wide averages often obscure.—
Heidi Farris,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The combination of strange comments, a clear lack of education and experience, and a disturbing personal history with mental health struggles and domestic problems doomed his campaign.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Coon admitted that their daughter has also taken up a strange favorite film.—
Avalon Hester,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Farrell's completely unrecognized look and vocal cadence struck fans in a massive way, leading to Reeves and DC cooking up a limited miniseries that showcased Penguin's rise in Gotham.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
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At the end of April 2022, the Russian army moved the Kuindzhi Art Museum's entire collection to a museum in the capital of the Donetsk People's Republic, a separatist and politically unrecognized territory annexed by Russia.—
Yegor Mostovshikov,
The Dial,
9 Sep. 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 unprecedented nature of the election leaves a lot of variables unknown.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
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The format grants viewers unprecedented control over programming elements, from influencing contestant challenges involving current events and social issues to deciding elimination outcomes and performance selections.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This reduces waste, extends product lifespan, and minimizes the use of new materials.—
Thomas Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Ahead of the premiere of her new Netflix series, Too Much, written for her by Lena Dunham, the 33-year-old reflects on what got her to this moment.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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