unprecedented

adjective

ˌən-ˈpre-sə-ˌden-təd How to pronounce unprecedented (audio)
Definition of unprecedentednext
as in novel
not known or experienced before this is an unprecedented request for the reference desk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unprecedented Developers have tools like Claude, Cursor and GitHub Copilot to move from idea to prototype at unprecedented speed. — Kumar Chivukula, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Ahead of the festival, the Ukrainian government took the unprecedented step of formally complaining to Venice for selecting the film for competition. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 Outgoing president Feltrin has held the role as president for the past six years, guiding the association through the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new digital era and most recently navigating a trade era marked by unprecedented tariffs. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026 The industry is taking the threat seriously by pumping out unprecedented numbers of patches in their software. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unprecedented
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unprecedented
  1. novel
  2. new
  3. strange
  4. unfamiliar
  5. fresh
  6. unheard-of
  7. original
Adjective
  • Some of the finer details to try and maximize entertainment include a novel approach with lane allocation.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Based on the novel series by Jodi Thomas, the Western romantic drama followed three ranching families vying for control.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • But if Jackson gets off to a slow start under a new coaching staff, including first-time play-caller Declan Doyle, there’s room to fall.
    — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • There's a new, yet familiar, voice in Bo Nix's ear these days.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • In a strange quirk of the 2026-27 fixture list, Leeds have been sent to the scenes of those crimes in quick succession once again.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • In short, unruly crowds, strange smells, intrusive noise and late nights are not unique inventions of the TikTok era.
    — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Nicastro also placed cats in unfamiliar environments, hoping to get meows of dissatisfaction.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • That’s not to say there isn’t opportunity — Netflix and Amazon spent about $40 billion combined on video and music content last year — but the degree of difficulty, especially for the sports stars dabbling in unfamiliar territory, has intensified.
    — Justin Birnbaum, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of unfamiliar
Adjective
  • But with the newer franchises, the deepest wounds are still fresh, so unlike Kim Zolciak and Nene, opposing parties in those cities are having a harder time celebrating the sisterhood of it all.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Back then, Canales was a fresh-faced teenager who was seen as the future of Spanish football.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of fresh
Adjective
  • An unheard-of benefit for this group of patients with this terrible disease.
    — Bryan C. Donohue, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The band features an almost unheard-of 11 musicians, all among Ireland’s best in their musical specialties.
    — Dan Kelly August 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of unheard-of
Adjective
  • Bier’s addition to the franchise is as bizarrely paced as the original and significantly less charming.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Feedback doesn’t have to flatten what makes the idea original.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of original

Browse Nearby Words

unpopularity
unprecedented
unpredictability
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Cite this Entry

“Unprecedented.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprecedented. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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