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

And at the end of it all, a euphoric fan base, tipsy with its sudden reversal of fortune, belted out a 1976 Abba song in South Florida.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
The model is pulled in ten different directions by different internal product teams, resulting in an interface that suffers from sudden behavioral resets and an inability to smoothly execute complex, multi-turn human requests.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

Alongside grapefruit and bergamot, an Earl Grey tea accord adds unexpected warmth.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
An unexpected benefit of this process is that its solid carbon byproduct turned out to be graphite, a material used in batteries and electrodes that the US currently imports.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 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 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlooked-for

adjective

Example Sentences

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