1
as in unfamiliar
happening or existing without one's knowledge
unknown to me was the fact that while I was out, my family was hurriedly preparing a surprise birthday party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in novel
not known or experienced before
becoming a father brought unknown joy to his life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obscure
not widely known
looking for a relatively unknown singer to record the song
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 unknown
Even though the total number of buildings made with the bricks is unknown, countless residential properties and city staples remain today.
—
Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
The victim has not yet been identified and the cause of death is unknown.
—The Enquirer, 22 Dec. 2024
Immediately after the Korean War, when the order was issued to round up all leftists, my uncle had suddenly disappeared without a trace, and his whereabouts were still unknown.
—Lee Chang-Dong, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024
Police learned the two had gotten into an argument when an unknown person pulled out a gun and shot the victim before fleeing in an unknown direction.
—Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unknown 
Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
The victim has not yet been identified and the cause of death is unknown.
—The Enquirer, 22 Dec. 2024
Immediately after the Korean War, when the order was issued to round up all leftists, my uncle had suddenly disappeared without a trace, and his whereabouts were still unknown.
—Lee Chang-Dong, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024
Police learned the two had gotten into an argument when an unknown person pulled out a gun and shot the victim before fleeing in an unknown direction.
—Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
-
The combination of navigating unfamiliar places and stuff like stress and alcohol in different people’s bodies can raise the risk of accidents happening.Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
-
In September, Leila had to spend 30 minutes on the phone with someone who knew the area well to help find a friend’s house in an unfamiliar area of Jericho in the West Bank.Paresh Dave, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Institutions and educators are realizing the necessity of incorporating these novel technologies to improve learning and multidisciplinary cooperation.Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
-
The result improved on the efficiency of previous packings, while making use of a novel approach: Rather than packing spheres in a nice, organized way, as Viazovska had done, the mathematicians used graph theory to pack spheres in a very disorderly fashion.Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Artists like the Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary shared the stage with obscure rural musicians from across the United States in the event’s spirit of communalism.Grant Wong, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
-
Patel’s embrace of QAnon is not just limited to the odd obscure nod-and-wink on years-old social media posts.David Gilbert, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
These are strange, unqualified people whose already worrisome scandals seem to have their own sub-scandals.Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
-
Features Written by Al Shipley | The extended play occupies a strange middle ground in the music world.Al Shipley, SPIN, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Discovered in 1913 during railroad excavations along Israel's southern coast, the tablet initially went unrecognized as a historically significant artifact.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Produced and released in the aftermath of 2023’s WGA strike, Pope’s role as killer stands in as a commentary on the power of writing and the lengths some will go to silence artistry, while also tipping a cap to industry veterans like stunt workers who often go unrecognized.Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie turned the wizardly backstory into an epic adventure, opening a gateway for young unbeknownst fantasy fans everywhere while also delivering a classically wholesome story about the importance of family and a parent's unconditional love.EW Staff, EW.com, 1 July 2024
-
For a surprise at the end, unbeknownst even to King, Winfrey arranged a path lined with sparklers, framing the couple in a golden glow against the night sky.Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 June 2024
Adjective
-
The potential for malicious actors to exploit these systems poses an unprecedented threat to public safety.Songyee Yoon, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
-
Unmistakeably, though, there is wear and tear in Villa’s legs after an unprecedented and hugely congested calendar year.Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
For example, other researchers have found that people tend to be reluctant to give used products as presents because there's a norm that gifts should be new.Rebecca Walker Reczek, Cory Haltman, CBS News, 25 Dec. 2024
-
Sandler’s professional golfer returns for the sequel, coming to Netflix in 2025, with some old and new companions.Emiliana Betancourt, Variety, 25 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to unknown
Thesaurus Entries Near unknown
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share