anonymity

noun

an·​o·​nym·​i·​ty ˌa-nə-ˈni-mə-tē How to pronounce anonymity (audio)
plural anonymities
1
: the quality or state of being anonymous
enjoyed the anonymity of life in a large city
2
: one that is anonymous
a crowd of faceless anonymities

Examples of anonymity in a Sentence

They are trying to protect their child's anonymity. She enjoyed the anonymity of life in a large city.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The scientists, who were not authorized to speak publicly, spoke on the condition of anonymity. Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025 Genetic testing has increased, anonymity is gone and caps on the number of families that can use one donor’s gametes are common. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2025 An administration official confirmed the meeting, which was not listed on Trump's public schedule, on the condition of anonymity. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 Two National Cancer Institute employees, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press and feared retaliation, said its staff receives batches of grants to terminate almost daily. Rae Ellen Bichell and Rachana Pradhan, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anonymity

Word History

Etymology

anonym(ous) + -ity

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anonymity was in 1820

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Cite this Entry

“Anonymity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anonymity. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

anonymity

noun
an·​o·​nym·​i·​ty ˌan-ə-ˈnim-ət-ē How to pronounce anonymity (audio)
plural anonymities
: the quality or state of being anonymous

More from Merriam-Webster on anonymity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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