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 Trump has chaired its board of trustees and appointed the vast majority of its members since an unprecedented restructuring to the previously bipartisan board in February 2025. — E. Andrew Taylor, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026 Earlier this week, in an unprecedented move, it was announced that The Guardian newspaper will make NAZA available for global audiences for free on its website after its theatrical run in late November. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 This is a time of unprecedented energy demand but also of unprecedented economic opportunity. — Ray Long, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 The second thought is that this regulation is unprecedented and will reshape college without a model of what’s to come after. — Ira Porter, Christian Science Monitor, 23 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
  • Breeze Yachting is taking a novel approach to yacht deals, giving both buyers and sellers greater visibility and clarity.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The author’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel Trust is being adapted as a Netflix series starring and executive-produced by Kate Winslet.
    — Riza Cruz, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • There are currently around 1,000 new Pip claims submitted every day in the UK; about 34% are successful.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
  • On Monday, the first day of the Supreme Court's new term, the justices will hear the Boulder case that could decide the fate of others like it.
    — LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • Serena tells him his former boss Elliott Wyatt recommended him highly, which is strange given his former reticence.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Neither does the strange quiet when the trip home begins with one fewer passenger.
    — Robert Duffer, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Such crudely geometric thinking prevailed because the unfamiliar land seemed unmarked by history.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In low-light pose estimation, the system is trying to recognize a familiar type of movement under unfamiliar environmental conditions.
    — Bo Wang, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of unfamiliar
Adjective
  • Get a little fancy and head to a reservation at Perry Street Chophouse, an elegant steakhouse known for its prime cuts, fresh seafood, and accomplished beverage program.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The handblown-glass antler chandelier by LWSN offers a fresh take on alpine design.
    — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 27 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
  • Thus the Marlowe played by Mitchum in the 1978 remake of The Big Sleep seems like an entirely different person from the original played by Bogart in 1946, despite their almost indistinguishable stories.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the escalating price of seafood challenged Darden’s original dream—and parent companies’ finances.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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