Synonyms for

Unknown

Adjective / ʌˈnnəʊn / Another word for unknown — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not known or familiar

Synonyms & similar words

acquaintance strange stranger obscure unsung nameless known unidentified alien unnamed unfamiliar mysterious strange obscure unidentified anonymous unexplored undiscovered unfathomed indefinite unclear ambiguous vague uncertain dubious perplexing puzzling enigmatic cryptic unexplained

Synonyms by register

Formal

unidentified undetermined unspecified unacknowledged

Informal

weird strange new unfamiliar

Literary

unfathomed unbeknown nameless

Antonyms

known familiar certain clear evident obvious recognized

Common collocations

  • unknown quantity
  • unknown factor
  • unknown origin
  • unknown person
  • unknown territory
  • unknown cause
  • unknown species
  • unknown artist

Word family

noun unknowing
adjective unknown
adverb unknownly

Usage note

While 'unknown' can function as a noun (e.g., 'the unknown'), it is more commonly used as an adjective. Be mindful of context when using it as a noun, as it can sound archaic or overly dramatic.

Compare "unknown" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The new student in class is unknown to me.
  2. The identity of the person who stole the cookies is unknown.
  3. The source of the noise is unknown.
  4. The artist of this painting is unknown.
  5. The cause of the accident is still unknown.

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