1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an unplanned change in our itinerary—we got lost!
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation
stumbled through a completely unplanned acceptance speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unplanned
Tartikoff seemed to almost prophetically get how many more steps would soon be taken, all leading to Jimmy Kimmel going on an unplanned vacation and Stephen Colbert on a permanent one.
—
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
Vanessa LeMaistre claimed in a complaint that the hip-hop producer drugged and raped her in a 2016 incident that allegedly led to an unplanned pregnancy.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Behind the fairytale ascent to fame, Cardinale’s personal life was complicated due to an unplanned pregnancy just as her career was taking off.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
And in 1929, Lee made her first burlesque appearance — an unplanned performance after years as a vaudeville act — before going on to become the world’s most famous striptease artist.
—Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
Vanessa LeMaistre claimed in a complaint that the hip-hop producer drugged and raped her in a 2016 incident that allegedly led to an unplanned pregnancy.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Behind the fairytale ascent to fame, Cardinale’s personal life was complicated due to an unplanned pregnancy just as her career was taking off.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
And in 1929, Lee made her first burlesque appearance — an unplanned performance after years as a vaudeville act — before going on to become the world’s most famous striptease artist.
—Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unplanned
Adjective
-
At the time, Anderson called it an accidental error.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The Americans started brightly and confidently, getting control in midfield and probing with intent, but chances were rare, with the first real effort somewhat accidental as Zavier Gozo’s cross from the left clipped the top of the bar.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Or, during a timeout, Lillard would approach Simons for another impromptu lesson.—
Jay King,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Confused, Thiel continues his impromptu TED Talk.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In Stand by Me, four teenage boys (played by Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell) go on a day trip in 1959 to search for the dead body of a missing classmate and bond in unexpected and heartfelt ways.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Oct. 2025
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Surprise invitations, unexpected gatherings, big plans related to kids, sports or the arts might send you in a new direction.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Deep shots, screens, improvised plays, even a flea-flicker touchdown to Luther Burden III.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
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Two months later, the group launched more than two dozen attacks across northeastern Syria, relying on a combination of guerrilla tactics, including small arms fire, ambushes, assassinations, and improvised explosive devices targeting military checkpoints and government vehicles.—
Caroline Rose,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In each episode, a VIP is escorted down a red carpet by three comedic bodyguards, facing a series of physical and mental challenges designed to test their wit, courage and improvisational skills.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
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MacKinnon put the Avs on the board first with some improvisational magic.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unplanned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unplanned. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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