1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an unplanned change in our itinerary—we got lost!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 unplanned
The 25-year-old mom, who gave birth to the couple's son six months ago, explains that the procedure was unplanned and frightening.
—
Ashley Vega, People.com, 28 May 2025
Each sprint is loaded with work for the team and a dedicated buffer to allow for any unplanned work, such as critical bugs, etc.
Security teams can make great strides in their journey to accomplish more work and move to a proactive state by following similar principles.
—Daniel Decloss, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
But one of her plane’s engines caught fire, which occasioned an unplanned overnight stay (and the purchase of a new fire extinguisher).
—Laurie Gwen Shapiro, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
As the excitement from the guests grew, the couple finally looked down the aisle and saw the 'unplanned' guests and were in loving shock.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Ashley Vega, People.com, 28 May 2025
Each sprint is loaded with work for the team and a dedicated buffer to allow for any unplanned work, such as critical bugs, etc.
Security teams can make great strides in their journey to accomplish more work and move to a proactive state by following similar principles.
—Daniel Decloss, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
But one of her plane’s engines caught fire, which occasioned an unplanned overnight stay (and the purchase of a new fire extinguisher).
—Laurie Gwen Shapiro, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
As the excitement from the guests grew, the couple finally looked down the aisle and saw the 'unplanned' guests and were in loving shock.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unplanned
Adjective
-
Investigators ruled Coleman's death as accidental shortly after the incident in 2010.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
17 June 2025
-
Learn how to use gym equipment properly to avoid accidental injuries, if gym equipment is a part of your routine.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
The impromptu late-night performances continued for several nights.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
22 June 2025
-
The best parts, of course, are the unexpected bad weather, an unexpected road closure, an impromptu concertand mosquitoes.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Most recently, the sporty staple appeared (and reappeared) in Chanel’s resort 2026 collection in unexpected pairings that were anything but prim.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
-
For the series, Siakam has quietly become the Pacers’ frontrunner to win the most unexpected of finals MVP awards.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unplanned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unplanned. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share