as in sudden
not expected the interesting stuff found in the attic was an unlooked-for bonus for the new homeowners

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlooked-for
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The condition causes sudden weakness or paralysis in muscles on one side of the face and is, in most cases, temporary, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, while the visit included an educational tour, meetings with local schoolchildren and even an unexpected downpour, the standout moment was the debut of Kate's new hairstyle.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • What begins as a casual conversation about the weather and aching hips gradually deepens into an unexpected friendship—and perhaps something more.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unlooked-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlooked-for. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unlooked-for

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!