as in novel
not known or experienced before
this is an unprecedented request for the reference desk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Over several hours, 11 whales — adults and juveniles — worked together to keep a struggling newborn alive, giving unprecedented insight into the social and vocal behaviors of these deep-diving giants.
—
Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
The observation off Dominica provided researchers with an unprecedented window into the social and vocal behaviors of sperm whales during one of the most vulnerable moments in a calf’s life.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
The cyber intrusion appeared to use similar tactics and techniques employed by a Chinese hacking effort known as Salt Typhoon, which penetrated major telecommunications providers in an unprecedented breach, according to the source with knowledge of the matter.
—Kevin Collier, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
For nearly a year, the DOJ has been making unprecedented demands for sensitive voter data from most states — including voters' driver's license numbers, partial Social Security numbers, dates of birth and addresses — that some say violate privacy law.
—Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprecedented
Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
The observation off Dominica provided researchers with an unprecedented window into the social and vocal behaviors of sperm whales during one of the most vulnerable moments in a calf’s life.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
The cyber intrusion appeared to use similar tactics and techniques employed by a Chinese hacking effort known as Salt Typhoon, which penetrated major telecommunications providers in an unprecedented breach, according to the source with knowledge of the matter.
—Kevin Collier, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
For nearly a year, the DOJ has been making unprecedented demands for sensitive voter data from most states — including voters' driver's license numbers, partial Social Security numbers, dates of birth and addresses — that some say violate privacy law.
—Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprecedented
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unprecedented
Adjective
-
Only a fraction of the human genome is involved in making antibodies, and yet the potential of this section to recombine in novel ways is almost limitless.—
Jerome Groopman,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Netflix picked up the first two seasons of Sullivan’s Crossing two months later, introducing a broader audience to the show based on the best-selling novel series by Robyn Carr.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His government promulgated a new constitution after just nine days of debate in the National Assembly.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Years later, new forensic testing led to a breakthrough.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Stars wield power in professional sports, and that power can lead to some strange requests of their employers.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Pocahontas will arrive with her very own Yehakin and help unravel the mystery behind a strange phenomenon affecting the Moon and the tides around the Valley.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But South Carolina answered right back to extend their lead to five with UConn finding themselves in an unfamiliar position — trailing at the end of three quarters for the first time this season.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The general sentiment is that Apple is at a crossroads, caught between the ethos that shaped the company and a technological shift that's forcing it to compete on unfamiliar ground.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,
CNBC,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
When picked right off the vine, during the sneaky warmth of late spring, a fresh pea can taste ethereal.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
-
With new artistic director Alicia Graf Mack at the helm, the group continues to advance the legacy of African American culture while moving us all forward through fresh artistic heights.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For the motorcycle sector, this is a true revolution that creates previously unheard-of opportunities for active safety and accident avoidance.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Doing groundbreaking, unheard-of things is becoming par for the course for Anthony.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Miller structured the play differently, snapping back between realism and symbolism, as manifest in Jo Mielziner’s famous original set.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The original proposal included a provision that would have banned athletes from participating in sports after three positive tests.—
Brady Halbleib,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unprecedented.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprecedented. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
