as in oral
made or carried on through speaking rather than in writing
an unwritten contract may not be enforceable
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Recent Examples of unwritten
While some travelers get to know a place by studying its unwritten rules or tracking down the very best version of an iconic food, Mallozzi begins by listening for its rhythms.
—
Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
For him, that freedom is a way of breaking loose from the genre’s unwritten rules and speaking with his own artistic voice.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026
They’re expected to bring new ideas and energy—all while trying to learn the unwritten rules and gain buy-in from their colleagues.
—Shanna Hocking, Harvard Business Review, 19 Jan. 2026
There are two immutable truths that govern the NFL playoffs — unwritten rules that cut through the noise of EPA models and talking-head bluster.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unwritten
Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
For him, that freedom is a way of breaking loose from the genre’s unwritten rules and speaking with his own artistic voice.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026
They’re expected to bring new ideas and energy—all while trying to learn the unwritten rules and gain buy-in from their colleagues.
—Shanna Hocking, Harvard Business Review, 19 Jan. 2026
There are two immutable truths that govern the NFL playoffs — unwritten rules that cut through the noise of EPA models and talking-head bluster.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unwritten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwritten
Adjective
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Allergists can perform skin testing and an oral food challenge, if needed, to confirm a food allergy diagnosis.—
Dr. Sonja O'Leary,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
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The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the challenge in the middle of oral arguments, even while ruling against the civil rights of Japanese American citizens in other cases considered at the same time.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Many owners told Bridge they were approached by knocks on the door and verbal offers.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Through her work, Amon-Higa now watches as bonds blossom daily – like the unexpected relationship between Dakota, a non-verbal boy, and Ginger, an extroverted miniature pig.—
Avani Kumar,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Nominated for Grammys in 2025 and 2026 for his spoken word poetry albums, Hardwick continues to be repped by Strand Entertainment, Vydia for music management, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
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Importantly, someone does not need to be fluent in the spoken language to participate, just as many Jews can recite prayers, lists and songs in Hebrew and Aramaic without necessarily being able to communicate in those languages.—
Bryan Kirschen,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwritten. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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