1
as in unfamiliar
happening or existing without one's knowledge
unknown to me was the fact that while I was out, my family was hurriedly preparing a surprise birthday party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in novel
not known or experienced before
becoming a father brought unknown joy to his life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obscure
not widely known
looking for a relatively unknown singer to record the song
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unknown
The cause is unknown, but researchers think genetics and other risk factors might be involved.
—
Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025
Intelligence assessed in the aftermath of the attack has shown Hamas came close to staging the offensive on three earlier occasions but delayed it for unknown reasons, the official said.
—Mohammad Jahjouh, Wafaa Shurafa, Natalie Melzer and Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The first commercial spacecraft headed beyond the moon is on its way to deep space, but the mission is suffering from unknown issues as the team scrambles to get in contact with the probe.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The exact timeline of events — including whether Hackman or Arakawa died first — is still unknown.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025
Intelligence assessed in the aftermath of the attack has shown Hamas came close to staging the offensive on three earlier occasions but delayed it for unknown reasons, the official said.
—Mohammad Jahjouh, Wafaa Shurafa, Natalie Melzer and Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The first commercial spacecraft headed beyond the moon is on its way to deep space, but the mission is suffering from unknown issues as the team scrambles to get in contact with the probe.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The exact timeline of events — including whether Hackman or Arakawa died first — is still unknown.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
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This breakthrough allows machines to handle unfamiliar items by generalizing from previous experiences, closing the gap between specialized and general-purpose robots.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Christopher Bailey and Riccardo Tisci’s Burberry struck many as unfamiliar.—
Julian Randall,
Essence,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Those who master architectural optimizations, novel training techniques and adaptive AI strategies will define the next generation of artificial intelligence.—
Vandana Rana,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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The View’s moderator showed off her trophy on the ABC daytime talk show after winning the Best Narration category for narrating her novel Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Everything feels absurd and animated by obscure cosmic forces.—
Willing Davidson,
The New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2025
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After years in obscure so-so movies playing Chopin and Byron, and in some respectable Merchant Ivory ones, the surprise star of last year's Four Weddings and a Funeral and this year's Nine Months and The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain has lately been having a bad life.—
Candace Bushnell,
Vogue,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The strange particulars of his passing remain a mystery thus far, but Hackman’s life was lived in quiet defiance of Hollywood fame and the strictures of celebrity.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
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But these were hound tracks, stretching off through the snow in a strange, dark line.—
Frank C. Hibben,
Outdoor Life,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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While figures like Rosa Parks became household names, grassroots leaders like Griffin made waves in their own communities, driving change that often went unrecognized on a national scale.—
Jason Clayworth,
Axios,
21 Feb. 2025
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Each hour this goes unrecognized makes the success of the coup more likely.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie turned the wizardly backstory into an epic adventure, opening a gateway for young unbeknownst fantasy fans everywhere while also delivering a classically wholesome story about the importance of family and a parent's unconditional love.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
1 July 2024
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For a surprise at the end, unbeknownst even to King, Winfrey arranged a path lined with sparklers, framing the couple in a golden glow against the night sky.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2024
Adjective
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But what made Tulsa unique was the unprecedented ambition to chart a new path forward.—
Nicholas Lalla,
WIRED,
4 Mar. 2025
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Cities such as Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, which only see a dusting of snow or less in an average year, were suddenly covered by layers of snow, leading to unprecedented disruptions.—
Jim Foerster,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is the Washington Commanders' newest offensive weapon.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
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Breaking through entails navigating a thicket of customer perceptions, expectations, and a general reluctance to try something new when the existing solution feels sufficient.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to unknown
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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