variants
also unbeknown
as in unknown
happening or existing without one's knowledge
unbeknownst to me, my mother was planning a party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 unbeknownst
In the eight-part audio drama Babalu, Sherry Zhang died by suicide in 1989, leaving behind a baby daughter Luisa and, unbeknownst to her family, dozens of cassette tapes recording her innermost thoughts.
—
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
His career success, however, was unbeknownst to his girlfriend, Irish singer Camille O'Sullivan.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
But unbeknownst to her, each of the Blisses have a guest of their own arriving at the very same time.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
All unbeknownst to her, while she's been essentially disconnected from life while performing standup at a casino in Singapore.
—Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unbeknownst
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
His career success, however, was unbeknownst to his girlfriend, Irish singer Camille O'Sullivan.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
But unbeknownst to her, each of the Blisses have a guest of their own arriving at the very same time.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
All unbeknownst to her, while she's been essentially disconnected from life while performing standup at a casino in Singapore.
—Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unbeknownst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbeknownst
unknown
Adjective
-
The Trinity fire, which started May 1 in Phelan, burned 19 acres with no structures damaged, though the blaze destroyed an unknown number of Joshua trees.—
Blanca Begert,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
The two became engaged in an argument that turned into a fight, during which the unknown person pulled out a sharp object and stabbed the victim about the body before leaving the scene, police said.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unbeknownst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbeknownst. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
