unbeknownst

adjective

ˌən-bi-ˈnōn(t)st How to pronounce unbeknownst (audio)
variants also unbeknown
Definition of unbeknownstnext
as in unknown
happening or existing without one's knowledge unbeknownst to me, my mother was planning a party

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unbeknownst Apparently unbeknownst to the defendants, the meeting continued recording the next hour of interactions between the brothers. — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2026 However, unbeknownst to the girls, the men left the original villa setting and snuck away to Casa Amor, a second filming location where six bombshells in sexy costumes were waiting to steal guys' hearts. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 22 June 2026 But, unbeknownst to many observers at the time, Graham was enduring even more withering pressures, with determination that was all the more impressive for being almost entirely invisible. — Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 Onscreen, Maddy is seated with a direct line of sight to Cassie and Nate during the newlyweds’ first dance, which, unbeknownst to Maddy and the other attendees, happens directly after Naz confronts Nate about his shady business dealings. — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unbeknownst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbeknownst
unknown
Adjective
  • Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
  • Fighting in Jonglei has intensified in recent days, with an unknown number of casualties.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Definition of unknown

Browse Nearby Words

unbecomingness
unbeknownst
unbelief
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Cite this Entry

“Unbeknownst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbeknownst. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unbeknownst

Nglish: Translation of unbeknownst for Spanish Speakers

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