unwritten

adjective

ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
Definition of unwrittennext
as in oral
made or carried on through speaking rather than in writing an unwritten contract may not be enforceable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unwritten Matsunori There’s an unwritten rule that restaurants in Fenway like to keep things moving—patrons in this part of town often have Red Sox games or concerts at MGM Music Hall to catch. — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026 Such a challenge almost never leads to a penalty in the Premier League, where the unwritten rule is that the attacker simply needs to be stronger. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Despite the rainy day, all three were clad in brown suede fall-ready shoes to complete their formal ensembles, and the familial coordination drew attention to the unwritten dress code of the British monarchy. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 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 See All Example Sentences for unwritten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwritten
  1. oral
  2. verbal
  3. spoken
Adjective
  • That’s one possible sign of oral cancer, though there are other explanations.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Alfozan has not been charged with espionage; the federal charge involves alleged interception of oral communications.
    — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of oral
Adjective
  • Baitz’s verbal gymnastics aren’t a good fit for Harris, who is at his most eloquent when his characters are at a loss for words.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The victim told officers that her soon-to-be ex-husband, identified as Fitzgerald, had come to her home multiple times after making verbal threats over the phone.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of verbal
Adjective
  • The two previously worked together on five albums featuring autobiographical lyrics and spoken-word performances.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Jones also described free community film screenings paired with local food and musical performances, as well as plans for dance, theater and spoken-word programming.
    — Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of spoken

Browse Nearby Words

unwrinkled
unwritten
unyielding
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwritten. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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