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 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 Industry hawks opposed to 340B’s expansion warn that providers could then charge patients for the full cost of the drugs, unbeknownst to the beneficiaries. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 30 Apr. 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 By that time, unbeknownst to Kristina, AJ had already set his sights on Italy. — Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unbeknownst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbeknownst
unknown
Adjective
  • Their list ‌of 250 ⁠largely unknown candidates includes university professors, actors and farmers, and is led by cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Findings could improve future water monitoring Despite the notable differences, the researchers emphasized that their models do not directly measure unknown PFAS concentrations or establish additional health risks.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2026.

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