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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 After years of upheaval in Florida State athletics—including a then-unprecedented flirtation with private equity and a bitter legal fight with the Atlantic Coast Conference—the school has parted ways with athletic director Michael Alford. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026 This is an unprecedented concentration of wealth and power among the super-rich. — John Lanchester, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 An already-strong El Niño just turned super as the phenomenon crosses into unprecedented territory. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026 Now, massive construction projects dot the state as part of an unprecedented rush to power artificial intelligence, creating new labor demands for an industry that’s already understaffed. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 11 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
  • Nobel Laureate for chemistry, Max Perutz, pointed out that natural icebergs were neither big enough nor stable enough to do the job safely, leaving Pyke to consider novel ways to turn water into a novel building material.
    — Mike McRae September 16, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
  • But the Current development team offered a novel approach for their financing plan.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • This means their meaning is easier to guess for someone without any previous knowledge of the gesture or language being spoken; perfect for creating a new language from scratch.
    — Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Lane Kiffin’s new team at LSU couldn’t deny Trinidad Chambliss — the quarterback Kiffin helped transform into a star after recruiting him from a Division II program to Mississippi last year.
    — Brett Martel, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • In a small town, several dead people are brought back to life through a strange ritual involving burning duck manure.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Back outside, the strangest part of the scene might have been how normal everything seemed to the people wearing crimson and blue.
    — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Have someone unfamiliar with your website try to find your current rebates in under 60 seconds.
    — Amber Mullaney, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The density of both Rankin’s style and his tour through history can be daunting for anyone generally unfamiliar with Canadian politics, such as myself.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 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
  • A student there named John-Michael Tebelak wrote the book for the show as his master’s thesis, with original songs provided by his friends.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • My favorite for proximity and—ambiance—is Williamsburg, which is the original location.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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