unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
Synonyms of unwrittennext
1
: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten rule
2
: containing no writing : blank

Synonyms of unwritten

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Examples of unwritten in a Sentence

They had an unwritten agreement. an unwritten contract may not be enforceable
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.
Scanning and measuring these runs extracts the unwritten rules of soil mechanics, turning them into precise, repeatable physics algorithms no simulation alone can generate. — Ronald Bisio, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 With a steady job, a community behind him, and a dream of a home and a beagle named Snoopy, Brown believes his best verse is still unwritten. — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 Even devices with years-old tech inside are still apparently subject to that unwritten rule. — ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 Matsunori There’s an unwritten rule that restaurants in Fenway like to keep things moving—patrons in this part of town often have Red Sox games or concerts at MGM Music Hall to catch. — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwritten

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwritten was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing unwritten

Rhymes for unwritten

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Browse Nearby Words

unwrite
unwritten
unwritten constitution
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Cite this Entry

“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwritten. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unwritten

adjective
un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈrit-ᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not put in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten law
2
: containing no writing : blank
unwritten pages
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