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
  • Portioned cups of sauces, dressings have some sort of liquid sitting on the lids from an unknown source.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • At least seven Jews are among the 17,000 missing Lebanese people whose fate remains unknown decades after the 15-year war ended, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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