unwritten
adjective
un·writ·ten
ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn 
1
: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten rule
2
: containing no writing : blank
Examples of unwritten in a Sentence
They had an unwritten agreement.
an unwritten contract may not be enforceable
Recent Examples on the Web
An unwritten rule of the NBA, it is generally viewed as a sign of respect to run out the clock rather than risk embarrassing an opponent.
—
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 31 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for unwritten
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Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 31 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for unwritten
Cite this Entry
“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwritten. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unwritten
adjective
un·writ·ten
ˌən-ˈrit-ᵊn
ˈən-
1
: not put in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten law
2
: containing no writing : blank
unwritten pages
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