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
Now, photos are supposed to look unplanned and happenstance, even when the content is carefully staged.
—
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The apology followed a report released on Wednesday by the state Board of Audit and Inspection, which found that unplanned maneuvers for personal filming led to the collision between two F-15K jets during a formation flight near the city of Daegu in December 2021.
—CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
My whirlwind trip has led to stops (both planned and unplanned) at wineries with near-century-old vines; wineries perched at the edge of Lake Erie; wineries owned by Eastern Europeans with a penchant for polka.
—Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 16 Apr. 2026
But in the show, as in the book, Margo is moved by Shyanne’s retelling of her birth story and subsequently unplanned foray into single motherhood.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The apology followed a report released on Wednesday by the state Board of Audit and Inspection, which found that unplanned maneuvers for personal filming led to the collision between two F-15K jets during a formation flight near the city of Daegu in December 2021.
—CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
My whirlwind trip has led to stops (both planned and unplanned) at wineries with near-century-old vines; wineries perched at the edge of Lake Erie; wineries owned by Eastern Europeans with a penchant for polka.
—Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 16 Apr. 2026
But in the show, as in the book, Margo is moved by Shyanne’s retelling of her birth story and subsequently unplanned foray into single motherhood.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unplanned
Adjective
-
Forensic investigators will determine whether the shooting was on purpose or accidental, police said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
-
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy didn't buy the scene as accidental.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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Some prefer no official invite, instead letting the impromptu feeling of a driveway social speak for itself.—
Colleen Sullivan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 May 2026
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And this atmosphere also makes thrilling, impromptu musical moments happen.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Tell students not to click unexpected links, share codes or respond to scary messages without checking first.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
In this context, digital health platforms have emerged as unexpected allies in breaking down long-standing research barriers.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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Allison Barr/The Oregonian via AP Portland police said in a statement Saturday night that during an ensuing search of the vehicle and building, investigators located several incendiary and improvised explosive devices, some of which had partially detonated.—
Faris Tanyos,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
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She was blessed with an unstinting energy and buoyancy that had her dashing off postcards far and wide, answering e-mails with improvised poetry, and cold-calling younger writers to offer encouragement.—
Pico Iyer,
Air Mail,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Hendrix first captured the world’s attention in December 2024, when one TikTok clip of her improvisational crowd work skyrocketed to 21 million views.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
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The band was also known for extended, improvisational live performances that reimagined their songs onstage.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unplanned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unplanned. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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