unplanned

adjective

ˌən-ˈpland How to pronounce unplanned (audio)
Definition of unplannednext
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

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 But the motivations for the murders were an unplanned series of blunders designed to correct mistakes that were made. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Open the official MyChart app or type the portal address into your browser instead of tapping an unplanned link. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Nearly 8,500 San Jose residents were without power on Sunday evening due to an unplanned PG&E outage. — Grace Hase, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 In some instances, planes will dump fuel or fly longer to burn off fuel before making an unplanned landing to avoid potential damage. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unplanned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unplanned
  1. accidental
  2. impromptu
  3. unexpected
  4. improvised
  5. improvisational
Adjective
  • Summary Disney's renowned guest experiences are intentionally crafted, not accidental, as exemplified by Cheryl Christensen's 37-year career.
    — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Buffalo Bills are giving defensive tackle Ed Oliver support and space following the accidental death of his 2-year-old son.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of accidental
Adjective
  • With no timeouts, the Raiders rushed to the line and O’Connell, with help from an impromptu tush-push from Chris Myarick, took it across the goal line with 14 seconds left.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The frequent gatherings are often impromptu affairs, sometimes with a singular ingredient sparking the idea.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of impromptu
Adjective
  • His unexpected sale of the Lakers kicked off a new chapter in the long running feud between the children of previous owner Jerry Buss.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In 2019, almost 18 months after enlisting, Haleigh’s life took an unexpected turn.
    — Dateline NBC, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of unexpected
Adjective
  • That's enough to loosen steep slopes where some of the 210,000 islanders live off the grid in improvised housing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Forecasters warn that up to 25 inches of rain and powerful winds could trigger life-threatening flooding, mudslides and even wildfires, especially in remote communities where many residents live off the grid in improvised housing.
    — Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of improvised
Adjective
  • McCollough thought Watts was a comedic genius, and the pair shared a similar sense of humor, establishing their own bits and improvisational riffs.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • This reflects the improvisational attitude that Pan, who has released several albums, first developed as a genre-defying musician and composer.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 31 July 2026
Definition of improvisational

Browse Nearby Words

unperturbed
unplanned
unplausible
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unplanned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unplanned. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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