unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
Synonyms of unwrittennext
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
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.
Venezuela’s future remains unwritten. Oscar De La Rosa, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2026 The unwritten tradition is meant to preserve the separation between government branches, and to prevent a president from pressuring the court to rule in their favor. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026 There’s some unwritten deal between two sovereign nations whereby 6,000 Cuban nationals have already been shipped to Mexico? Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026 But others told me that an atmosphere of self-censorship and anxiety about unwritten restrictions, had become routine in the industry. Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwritten

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwritten. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

unwritten

adjective
un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈrit-ᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not put in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten law
2
: containing no writing : blank
unwritten pages

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