1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an unplanned change in our itinerary—we got lost!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation
stumbled through a completely unplanned acceptance speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of unplanned
Unlike reserve funds, they are used for unplanned costs.
—
Liz Christy, CBS News, 7 May 2026
Piper underwent an unplanned C-section, according to the Daily Herald.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Now, photos are supposed to look unplanned and happenstance, even when the content is carefully staged.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The apology followed a report released on Wednesday by the state Board of Audit and Inspection, which found that unplanned maneuvers for personal filming led to the collision between two F-15K jets during a formation flight near the city of Daegu in December 2021.
—CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Liz Christy, CBS News, 7 May 2026
Piper underwent an unplanned C-section, according to the Daily Herald.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Now, photos are supposed to look unplanned and happenstance, even when the content is carefully staged.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The apology followed a report released on Wednesday by the state Board of Audit and Inspection, which found that unplanned maneuvers for personal filming led to the collision between two F-15K jets during a formation flight near the city of Daegu in December 2021.
—CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unplanned
Adjective
-
Acrasia wears a face crafted by history and time, but Phalene wears a face crafted by Acrasia, who is a significantly less accidental artist than history.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
Warranties typically exclude routine maintenance, wear and tear, and accidental damage.—
Charlotte Maracina,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
But the studio’s initial footage and photos certainly led many to assume this was an impromptu moment, and media outlets covered the stunt without knowing the lucky tourists were hand-picked by the studio.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2026
-
In an Instagram carousel posted on Tuesday, April 21, the mogul shared snaps from what appears to be an impromptu photo shoot in her home — with her massive wall of Hermès serving as a backdrop.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
On the contrary, life insurance or disability insurance could help you or your family pay for other needs if something unexpected happens, including expenses like loans.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
As the novel progresses, the two tracks collide in unexpected ways.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
That data only reflects damage caused by airstrikes, drone attacks and remote and improvised explosive device, or IED, explosions.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
-
Allison Barr/The Oregonian via AP Portland police said in a statement Saturday night that during an ensuing search of the vehicle and building, investigators located several incendiary and improvised explosive devices, some of which had partially detonated.—
Faris Tanyos,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Joined on his visit by son Hunter, what Fieri (and likely many viewers) discovered was a chef turning out dishes that are at once creative and accessible, improvisational yet simple.—
Ben Crandell,
Sun Sentinel,
13 May 2026
-
But seeing the improvisational group War Babies provided the clarity Short desperately needed.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unplanned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unplanned. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
