Synonyms for

Unprecedented

Verb / ʌˈnpresɪˌdentɪd / Another word for unprecedented — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

never done or known before; without previous example

Synonyms & similar words

precedented unheard-of novel unfamiliar unusual extraordinary uncommon exceptional unique original groundbreaking innovative revolutionary unmatched incomparable peerless matchless unequaled unrivaled unsurpassed unexampled

Synonyms by register

Formal

novel original new unparalleled

Informal

never-before-seen brand-new first-ever

Literary

unexampled unmatched singular

Antonyms

common usual familiar ordinary regular normal typical

Common collocations

  • unprecedented levels
  • unprecedented growth
  • unprecedented times
  • unprecedented success
  • unprecedented demand
  • unprecedented situation
  • unprecedented scale

Word family

noun precedent
adverb unprecedentedly

Usage note

This word is often overused to describe events that are merely unusual rather than truly without precedent. Use it judiciously for genuinely novel occurrences.

Example sentences

  1. The amount of snow we got this year was unprecedented.
  2. The discovery of water on Mars is unprecedented.
  3. The team's winning streak is unprecedented in the school's history.
  4. The company's profits were unprecedented for a startup.
  5. The hurricane caused unprecedented damage to the city.

Quotes

  • 'The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented crisis that demands an unprecedented response.' - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
  • 'We need an unprecedented response - a war-like mobilization of resources - to save our planet.' - Al Gore
  • 'The challenges we face today are not the same as before. We need an unprecedented level of cooperation.' - Ban Ki-moon

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