unto

preposition

un·​to ˈən-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce unto (audio)
1
: to
2
used as a function word to indicate reference or concern
… they became a world unto themselves.Anne T. Fleming

Examples of unto in a Sentence

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.
But each of these evolving threats is a universe unto itself, with countless variables and unknowns. Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025 Each clue was a puzzle unto itself, often divided into two parts. Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025 All of them, however, managed to get under my skin and give me something new to think about or fear — especially impressive at a time when a film breaking through the cloud of real-life horrors is an achievement unto itself. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025 By tearing off his shirt in machismo-riddled jubilation, Johnson had delivered unto Chicago a feast — or, at least, roughly 2,000 free hot dogs. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unto

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from un- (as in until) + to to

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unto was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unto. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

unto

preposition
un·​to ˌən-tə How to pronounce unto (audio)
ˈən-tü
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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