unprecedented

adjective

ˌən-ˈpre-sə-ˌden-təd How to pronounce unprecedented (audio)
Definition of unprecedentednext
as in novel
not known or experienced before this is an unprecedented request for the reference desk

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 unprecedented The victory snapped a streak that had beguiled the second-year franchise even in the midst of an unprecedented level of success for an expansion team in the WNBA. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 In an unprecedented turn of events, nobody disagreed with the rankings. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 As Anthropic targets a $2 trillion IPO that could set records—and even eclipse SpaceX—the blockbuster valuation is expected to create an unprecedented amount of wealth for the AI company’s more than 2,500 employees. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 Today’s Maine story Today, STAT kicked off Daniel Payne’s five-part series exploring the consequences of Republicans’ unprecedented cuts to the health care safety net. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unprecedented
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unprecedented
  1. novel
  2. new
  3. strange
  4. unfamiliar
  5. fresh
  6. unheard-of
  7. original
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
  • Now is a great time to pick up a new pair of sneakers for fall while prices are low.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
  • With the team entering a new era with a new coaching staff, Baltimore made some moves that were a bit atypical on roster cutdown day.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of new
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
  • And yet, to those who are unfamiliar with its inner workings, the pageant world might appear shrouded in mystery.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Look for unfamiliar accounts or other signs that your information may have been misused.
    — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfamiliar
Adjective
  • Think bright citrus, fresh herbs, seasonal fruit and plenty of bubbles.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Blood Similar to cleaning urine stains, if the blood on your mattress is fresh, then start the process by soaking up excess liquid with a paper towel before cleaning the area.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of fresh
Adjective
  • That is unheard-of with prolonged exposure, cognitive processing, and certainly SSRIs, the current standard-of-care options.
    — Anderson Cooper, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • To fix the problems at the factory, the company would team up with yet another unheard-of partner promising technological innovation.
    — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of unheard-of
Adjective
  • The shop’s mascot, a rabbit, is named Lewis, after the original Lewis & Duncan grocery store that once inhabited the building.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Historic Preservation Commission members voted Thursday to approve exterior changes to the mansion’s original design plan as the building, now more than a century old, undergoes restoration and renovation as part of a new residential development.
    — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of original

Browse Nearby Words

unpopularity
unprecedented
unpredictability
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Cite this Entry

“Unprecedented.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprecedented. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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