as in oral
made or carried on through speaking rather than in writing
an unwritten contract may not be enforceable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unwritten
Studies show that unwritten workplace rules cause miscommunication and disconnection.
—
Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
This Week in Politics: Melissa Brown and Vivian Jones break down the latest political developments this week, including a look at the unwritten rules being enforced at the Capitol, campaign fundraising for the U.S. Senate race and the latest on tax cut bills, among many other things.
—Amber Roberson, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
There are the obvious ones, like no littering or speeding (spoiler: you will get fined), but there are more than a few unwritten rules visitors should be aware of.
—Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024
That’s a rough track record, and in the decades since, most campaigns have operated by an unwritten rule that says each film can have only one lead performance per gender.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unwritten 
Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
This Week in Politics: Melissa Brown and Vivian Jones break down the latest political developments this week, including a look at the unwritten rules being enforced at the Capitol, campaign fundraising for the U.S. Senate race and the latest on tax cut bills, among many other things.
—Amber Roberson, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
There are the obvious ones, like no littering or speeding (spoiler: you will get fined), but there are more than a few unwritten rules visitors should be aware of.
—Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024
That’s a rough track record, and in the decades since, most campaigns have operated by an unwritten rule that says each film can have only one lead performance per gender.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unwritten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwritten
Adjective
-
During December’s oral arguments, a majority of justices seemed inclined to side with Tennessee.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
-
This and oral reports evidenced that two even larger middens once existed nearby.—
Smithsonian Magazine,
Smithsonian Magazine,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The verbal notice came from HHS officials in a meeting with CDC leaders, according to a federal official who was at the meeting.—
Mike Stobbe,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Keith allegedly initially ignored verbal commands to exit the vehicle and police used bean bag rounds to subdue him, court records said.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Smith’s debut album was released on Arista Records on Nov. 10, 1975 and combined the singer’s urgent, vivid poetry with spiky, minimal arrangements that incorporated reggae rhythms with spoken word and propulsive rock energy.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Pupils are now studying the practice of the spoken word in preparation for the local contest to select pupils for the district contest in March.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to unwritten
Thesaurus Entries Near unwritten
Cite this Entry
“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwritten. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share