unknown
12 synonyms and 7 antonyms for unknown, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Not known, identified, or familiar.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use unknown
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English ungecnawen, from "un-" + "known."
Full origin of unknown →Frequently asked questions
What does “unknown” mean?
The word “unknown” means not known, identified, or familiar. In plain terms, not identified or not yet found out — as an adjective describing a fact, or a noun for the thing itself.
How do you pronounce “unknown”?
“Unknown” is pronounced uh-nohn (/ʌnˈnoʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “unknown” in a sentence?
Here is “unknown” used in a sentence: “The cause of the fire is still unknown.”
What is the opposite of “unknown”?
The opposite of “unknown” — its antonyms — are ascertained, familiar, famous, known and recognizable.
What part of speech is “unknown”?
Depending on how it is used, “unknown” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “unknown” come from?
The word “unknown” comes from Old English. From Old English ungecnawen, from "un-" + "known.".
Is “unknown” a common word?
“Unknown” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “unknown” have?
“Unknown” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not known, identified, or familiar.
What is the difference between unknown and anonymous?
Unknown means not known, identified, or familiar in a general sense, applying to facts, places, or people. Anonymous specifically means a name is deliberately withheld or unavailable, as with an anonymous donor. Something can be unknown simply because no one has discovered it, while anonymous implies an identity exists but is hidden.
What is the opposite of unknown?
The main opposites are 'known,' 'familiar,' and 'identified.' Depending on context, you might also use 'famous' or 'renowned' when contrasting an unknown person with a celebrity. The right opposite depends on whether you mean something not yet discovered, not recognised, or simply not well known to the public.
What does 'the unknown' mean as a noun?
As a noun, 'the unknown' refers to everything that has not been discovered, understood, or experienced, often carrying a sense of mystery or uncertainty. People speak of 'fear of the unknown' when they feel anxious about what lies ahead. In maths, an unknown is also a value you are trying to find.