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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 Pezeshkian speaking in New York while his country is actively engaged in combat with the United States is virtually unprecedented. — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 Unfortunately, 2026’s unprecedented memory crunch has upended that standard operating procedure. — ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026 With This Solitude, Giner, who grew up in Bilbao, reacts to the unprecedented impact of that show. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026 Trump has also attempted to take unprecedented control of the voting process. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 21 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
  • Which is why researchers from Maynooth University in Ireland have turned to the very chemistry of life to develop a novel kind of computer that runs without a constant supply of electricity.
    — Mike McRae September 22, New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Outlining a bioweapon doomsday scenario, the report said novel pathogens could be created in a lab, delivered to target locations, and spread to infect large populations of people in multiple places.
    — Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • Presenter Zane Lowe has conducted loads of candid interviews with new and established musicians, and the company's Los Angeles studio has captured dozens of memorable performances for posterity.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The episode is also the debut of new cast members Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter.
    — William Earl, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • The reunion becomes even stranger when Constance prepares for a dark holiday celebration, with Kai Anderson (Evan Peters) from Cult helping decorate a black Christmas tree topped with a pentagram.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The public wiki case offers a particularly strange example of the problem.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • As the clock rolled into the 16th minute, the scoreboard at Sporting Park looked unfamiliar.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The Los Angeles Unified School District finds itself in a difficult, if not unfamiliar position.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of unfamiliar
Adjective
  • Then toss a fresh pair of leggings into your cart to wear with popular oversized sweaters, and cute capris for the in-between-temp days.
    — Jessie Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Venus in your expansive 9th house connects awkwardly with Uranus in your domestic zone, making travel, learning, or a fresh interest feel exciting and slightly disruptive.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 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
  • Special guest vocalists, selected by the album’s original producers, include Baby Rose, Corinne Bailey Rae, FLO, Jessie Reyez, Jorja Smith, Lianne La Havas, Nia Smith, Sasha Keable, Skye Newman, and Yebba.
    — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Love, at 85 years old, is the sole member of the original Beach Boys lineup who still tours under that name, performing all their classic, SPF-friendly hits with younger instrumentalists.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of original

Browse Nearby Words

unpopularity
unprecedented
unpredictability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unprecedented.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprecedented. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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