unsee

verb

un·​see ˌən-ˈsē How to pronounce unsee (audio)
unsaw ˌən-ˈsȯ How to pronounce unsee (audio) ; unseeing; unsees

transitive verb

1
: to fail to see (something) : to avoid seeing (something)
Countless people have studied the painting and never seen the hidden likeness in it. Yet, once it comes to your attention, you can't unsee it again.—Kenneth Baker
2
: to forget having seen (something) : to erase the image of (something) from one's memory
… you see things at the poker expo you can never unsee.—Bill Simmons

Examples of unsee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Revisit the gnarly snippet of nature and try, try to unsee it. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Dec. 2024 In one gory scene that’s difficult to unsee, the ferociously hungry Oliver chews on a kitchen knife. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 May 2025 This month brings focus to your money, power dynamics and emotional entanglements in a way that’s difficult to unsee. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 Cane and Jenna were giggly high-schoolers with some obvious attraction going on during their substance-heavy double date, and no one can unsee that. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsee was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unsee

See All Rhymes for unsee

Browse Nearby Words

unseduced
unsee
unseeable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsee. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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