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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of unknown
Though details of the call are unknown, China’s strong hold on rare earth materials is now a hot topic.
—
Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 5 June 2025
The precise number of German casualties on the day is unknown, but they are estimated to be between 4,000 and 9,000.
—Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
The exact number of surviving D-Day veterans is unknown, but the U.S. Veterans Administration says about 66,000 veterans, fewer than 0.5% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the war, were still living at the end of 2024.
—Medianews Group, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
Nearly five months later and with the fire’s cause still unknown, Pacific Gas & Electric began reopening an adjacent battery site on Sunday, despite objections from local officials.
—Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 5 June 2025
The precise number of German casualties on the day is unknown, but they are estimated to be between 4,000 and 9,000.
—Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
The exact number of surviving D-Day veterans is unknown, but the U.S. Veterans Administration says about 66,000 veterans, fewer than 0.5% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the war, were still living at the end of 2024.
—Medianews Group, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
Nearly five months later and with the fire’s cause still unknown, Pacific Gas & Electric began reopening an adjacent battery site on Sunday, despite objections from local officials.
—Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unknown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknown
Adjective
-
Action step: Volunteer for projects outside your usual scope to expand your skills and demonstrate your ability to thrive in unfamiliar territory.—
Kent Ingle,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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In the video, Pilot stands completely still, with his fluffy tail stuck up, visibly unsure about what to make of the unfamiliar clothing item.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Which is a very novel concept, because most things are incubated in the States or maybe overseas in the U.K.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
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These changes are creating novel military and geopolitical challenges for Beijing, thereby reinforcing China’s doubts about the potential success of aggression.—
ELY RATNER,
Foreign Affairs,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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The banner offers a peek into a relatively obscure group during a critical moment in American history.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
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The other is a bit more obscure: Juan Samuel, with 70 extra-base hits and 72 steals as a Phillies rookie in 1984.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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After coming to the Mets at the trade deadline, Blackburn had a serious of strange injuries, getting hit by a line drive on his hand, and then suffering from a spinal fluid leak that required surgery.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
3 June 2025
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The strange turn of events surrounding Barrett’s disqualification marred what had been a feel-good story.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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However, their own experiences and labor have largely been unrecognized in serious discussions of how the college football system functions.—
Essence,
Essence,
9 May 2025
-
While unrecognized in their time, the group is now regarded as one of the most important artistic movements of the 20th century.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 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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As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, companies are presented with exciting yet overwhelming options.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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But neither was the great progress that Washington’s allies have already made, not only in acknowledging the threat from China but also in taking unprecedented steps to invest in their own militaries, build ties with their neighbors, and double down on their alliances with the United States.—
ELY RATNER,
Foreign Affairs,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Experts say the easiest way to become more open is to try something new.—
Elizabeth Passarella,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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First discovered: 4 p.m. June 5 Initial location: Nevada County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Brockway A new wildfire was reported today at 4 p.m. in Nevada County.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknown. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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