unfounded

adjective

un·​found·​ed ˌən-ˈfau̇n-dəd How to pronounce unfounded (audio)
Synonyms of unfoundednext
: lacking a sound basis : groundless, unwarranted
an unfounded accusation

Synonyms of unfounded

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Examples of unfounded in a Sentence

the accusation proved to be unfounded
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.
Yet her decision to spread unfounded theories of conspiracy fraud helped to land Fox in court. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026 Garza wrote in her complaint that the accusations were unfounded and claimed that LeVota refused to show her the email. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 The president often has made unfounded claims about widespread problems with mail voting, despite casting his own ballot by mail. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Springfield, a small city in southwestern Ohio, became the center of salacious and unfounded rumors about the Haitian community during the 2024 presidential election. — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfounded

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfounded was in 1648

Rhymes for unfounded

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unfounded
unfoundedly
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Cite this Entry

“Unfounded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfounded. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unfounded

adjective
un·​found·​ed ˌən-ˈfau̇n-dəd How to pronounce unfounded (audio)
ˈən-
: lacking a sound base : groundless
unfounded suspicions
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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