UNLOOKED-FOR Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

unlooked-for

adjective

ˌən-ˈlu̇kt-ˌfȯr

Definition of unlooked-for

as in sudden

not expected the interesting stuff found in the attic was an unlooked-for bonus for the new homeowners

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlooked-for

Adjective

All of a sudden, Bass was a staggering champion lunging at a revived Raman, who swung and stung and ducked the way only a hungry up-and-comer can.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The Sagittarius Moon opposes Uranus, making a conversation, bit of news, or sudden change of perspective impossible to ignore.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

Prince Harry is opening up about his and wife Meghan Markle’s unexpected decision earlier this year to move back to the United Kingdom years after their dramatic fallout with the British royal family.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
The tropical getaway also included some unexpected entertainment.

— Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of unexpected

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.

Browse Nearby Words

unlocks

unlooked-for

unloose

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“Unlooked-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlooked-for. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlooked-for

adjective

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