unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
Synonyms of unwrittennext
1
: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten rule
2
: containing no writing : blank

Synonyms of unwritten

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Examples of unwritten in a Sentence

They had an unwritten agreement. an unwritten contract may not be enforceable
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.
Most players largely celebrate their own successes, rather than their opponents’ errors, and antics like those supposedly violate the sport’s unwritten behavioral codes. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The rules of baseball, both written and unwritten, have evolved over time, with customs changing across generations, clubs, competition levels, and countries. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 As with traveling to any country outside of your own, there are a few unwritten rules for visiting Paris with which savvy tourists should get familiar. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026 Anedda’s capacity to turn perspectives around by narrating unwritten angles in the same story is her most characteristic gift. — Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwritten

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing unwritten

Rhymes for unwritten

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Browse Nearby Words

unwrite
unwritten
unwritten constitution
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

unwritten

adjective
un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈrit-ᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not put in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten law
2
: containing no writing : blank
unwritten pages
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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