1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an unplanned change in our itinerary—we got lost!
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation
stumbled through a completely unplanned acceptance speech
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unplanned
According to 2023 data, 39% of C-sections in the US are unplanned and occur after labor has started, and another 15% are also unexpected but happen before labor has begun.
—
Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 July 2025
The family members who do take in kids face unique challenges of unplanned caregiving.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 2025
This proactive approach reduces unplanned downtime, lowers maintenance costs and helps extend equipment lifespan.
—John Clemons, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Captured on these tracks are not just his original songs, but also the sounds of his then-toddlers, doors creaking open, and unplanned commentary from the musician.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 July 2025
The family members who do take in kids face unique challenges of unplanned caregiving.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 2025
This proactive approach reduces unplanned downtime, lowers maintenance costs and helps extend equipment lifespan.
—John Clemons, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Captured on these tracks are not just his original songs, but also the sounds of his then-toddlers, doors creaking open, and unplanned commentary from the musician.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unplanned
Adjective
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Today, even minor missteps—whether accidental or intentional—can rapidly escalate, leading to public crises that damage reputations and erode the trust organizations have worked hard to build.—
Maria Trochimezuk,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Despite suspicions of foul play from both U.S. and Zambian officials, local police declared Bianca’s death the result of an accidental discharge of a firearm.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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What started as an impromptu group of professional side musicians in Nashville jamming weekly at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in nearby Madison has morphed into a hardscrabble touring act of its own that made a headlining appearance at the Ryman Auditorium earlier this month.—
Garret K. Woodward,
Rolling Stone,
28 July 2025
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After an impromptu long-drive competition, Happy discovers his hockey swing sets him up well for another sport: golf.—
Luke Chinman,
People.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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His unexpected cameo also served as a promotion for his Big3 basketball league, which is slated to play games at Heritage Bank Center on July 26, the last night of the Cincinnati Music Festival.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
27 July 2025
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Houser, meanwhile, continued his unexpected run, holding the Cubs scoreless for six innings before giving up a three-run homer to Reese McGuire in garbage time.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unplanned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unplanned. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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