UNHEARD-OF Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

unheard-of

adjective

ˌən-ˈhərd-ˌəv

Definition of unheard-of

as in unprecedented

not known or experienced before houses selling at unheard-of prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 unheard-of The damage forced an almost unheard-of response from the grain trade itself. — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Fetterman and McCormick even launched a joint fundraising committee, practically unheard-of for senators from different parties. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 31 July 2026 But now the Carlssons and Celebrinis can make more than that on a four or five-year deal, guaranteeing generational wealth while also setting themselves up for as-yet-unheard-of third contracts at just 26. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 30 July 2026 The previous time the New York Knicks won an NBA Final, in 1973, in-game sound was basically unheard-of in basketball—too distracting for players and fans. — Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unheard-of

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unheard-of

Adjective

As Dolly Parton fans find solace in her music after her death, her songs are surging to unprecedented levels on the charts.

— KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
New models emerge rapidly, pricing changes frequently, and capabilities improve at an unprecedented pace.

— Prajkta Waditwar, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of unprecedented

Adjective

There was nothing particularly novel about the show’s premise, but the scripts were refreshingly dense with jokes, prioritizing laughs over contrived drama or seasonlong relationship arcs.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Expect to discover many novel flavors of Brazil—butiá, cajú, cumaru—worked into the menu in unique ways.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of novel

Adjective

Some are quieter this year, some are almost ridiculous, but all of them share a strange sense of purpose.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
His attempt to discover what he is supposed to be doing propels him through a succession of increasingly strange encounters, as his search for purpose becomes entangled with his desire for love, friendship and some kind of place in the world.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

For bouquets, Wahlen recommends choosing one type of flower that has already been identified as non-toxic rather than an arrangement filled with unfamiliar stems and greenery, where a dangerous flower may be tucked among otherwise safe blooms.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Nalewaja, who attended, said Matsui appeared unfamiliar with issues facing people living in the Sierra foothills.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of unfamiliar

Browse Nearby Words

unhealthy

unheard-of

unheated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unheard-of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unheard-of. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unheard-of

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes