the unknown

noun

: a place, situation, or thing that is not known about or understood
explorers venturing off into the unknown
: a situation that one is unfamiliar with
A fear of the unknown kept her from changing jobs.

Examples of the unknown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Cloaked in anonymity is the unknown, which gives rise to speculation and uncertainty. John Hall, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 After decades of exploring the outer solar system before charting the unknown frontier of interstellar space, the two spacecraft are showing signs of age. Michael Roston, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 James’ novella concerns a self-fulfilling prophecy about a paralyzed existence ending tragically with a protagonist realizing he’s wasted his life away due to fear of the unknown. Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 25 Dec. 2024 Recent attention surrounding the drone sightings has resulted in some officials, including President-elect Trump, to urge the U.S. military to shoot down the unknown objects. Tara Suter, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for the unknown 

Dictionary Entries Near the unknown

Cite this Entry

“The unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20unknown. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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