as in sudden
not expected
ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program
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Recent Examples of unanticipated
Insurers continue to clarify AI coverage by introducing endorsements that affirm coverage for certain AI risks or by adding exclusions to standard policies to avoid unanticipated exposure.
—
John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
In 2012, Connecticut passed the first Sewage Right-to-Know law requiring DEEP to post the locations of combined sewer overflows and to begin posting unanticipated sewage spills on the agency’s website.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2026
Despite surging inflation and tariff and trade policies that seemed to shift with the wind, automakers from all over the world delivered some unanticipated goodies for customers.
—Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Sharp turns and unanticipated curves also surprise infrequent drivers here, especially when following or, worse, being pressured from behind by local drivers who are easily frustrated by the tourist tempo.
—Crai S Bower, Outside, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unanticipated
John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
In 2012, Connecticut passed the first Sewage Right-to-Know law requiring DEEP to post the locations of combined sewer overflows and to begin posting unanticipated sewage spills on the agency’s website.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2026
Despite surging inflation and tariff and trade policies that seemed to shift with the wind, automakers from all over the world delivered some unanticipated goodies for customers.
—Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Sharp turns and unanticipated curves also surprise infrequent drivers here, especially when following or, worse, being pressured from behind by local drivers who are easily frustrated by the tourist tempo.
—Crai S Bower, Outside, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unanticipated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unanticipated
Adjective
-
Instead of analyzing every detail in a scene, the human brain quickly detects sudden motion or change and reacts first.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Demand for cross-border relocation, residency planning and citizenship consultancy services is being driven by geopolitical tensions and sudden policy shifts, advisers who work with ultra-high-net-worth clients told CNBC.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
From familiar faces to unexpected challengers, here’s who’s running for Senate and Congress.—
Kurtcia Collazo,
IndyStar,
9 Feb. 2026
-
His Penguins are making an unexpected romp toward the Stanley Cup playoffs in a season they were expected to finish near the bottom of the NHL standings.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unanticipated. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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