UNANTICIPATED Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

unanticipated

adjective

ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd

Definition of unanticipated

as in sudden

not expected ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program

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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 unanticipated What risks could arise from blind spots or unanticipated changes in the environment? — Jim Deloach, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 In a statement to the Idaho Statesman, Crapo remained optimistic that the housing bill would become law despite the president’s unanticipated delay. — Mark Dee june 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2026 Meanwhile, many museums are in serious financial straits, reckoning with the fiscal burden of optimistic expansions and unanticipated increases in operating costs. — Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Just as the backrooms set design added to the movie’s jump-scare effect, the real world’s design added an unanticipated comedic one. — Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unanticipated

Adjective

Officials are still investigating the exact cause, though preliminary assessments suggest an ice avalanche may have blocked a river upstream in Tibet, triggering the sudden outburst flood.

— Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
The concierge can be contacted via WhatsApp, but response times can be slow during varying rush hours; for example, a sudden tropical rainstorm might inspire half the resort to call in for room service.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sudden

Browse Nearby Words

unanswerable

unanticipated

unanticipatedly

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“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unanticipated. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unanticipated

adjective

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