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 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 There were also unanticipated consequences in Saudi Arabia, where the monarchy used the great oil wealth created to promote a puritanical, fundamentalist version of Islam. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 23 May 2026 Insurers continued to clarify AI coverage by introducing endorsements that affirm coverage for certain AI risks or by adding exclusions to standard policies to avoid unanticipated exposure. — John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unanticipated

Adjective

Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.

— CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
Small Holes One sign of snakes in your garden could be the sudden appearance of small holes that could be about the size of a small coin, or up to two inches.

— Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

Artisan Market Thoughtful, small-batch cookies made with intention and inspired by unexpected flavors.

— RS Editors, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026
And while many know Mariska Hargitay from her decades-long run on Law & Order or as one of the Knicks' biggest hype women, she can also be considered among fashion's unexpected trendsetters.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Definition of unexpected

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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unanticipated

adjective

Example Sentences

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