unanticipated

adjective

un·​an·​tic·​i·​pat·​ed ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd How to pronounce unanticipated (audio)
Synonyms of unanticipatednext
: not anticipated : unexpected, unforeseen
unanticipatedly adverb

Synonyms of unanticipated

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Examples of unanticipated in a Sentence

The new policy has had some unanticipated side effects. 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.
In fact, opportunities for clean energy have been transformed by unanticipated plunges in the costs of wind and solar electricity, battery storage and LED lighting. — Daniel Cohan, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 Agents ask unanticipated questions across operational and analytical systems, often in real time. — Felix Liao, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Systems fail; unanticipated difficulties occur; things break or rot. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 One unanticipated effect of my public activism efforts is that people now feel embarrassed about using their smartphones in front of me. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unanticipated was circa 1779

Rhymes for unanticipated

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Browse Nearby Words

unanswered
unanticipated
unanxious
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Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unanticipated. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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