anonymous
Describes a person not identified by name, or a creative work where the author's identity is withheld or unknown. It is frequently used in contexts involving privacy, security, or when someone wishes to avoid public recognition.
Examples
3 of 5I received an anonymous letter in the mail today with no return address.
I received an anonymous letter in the mail today with no return address.
The whistle-blower provided an anonymous tip regarding the company's illegal activities.
The whistle-blower provided an anonymous tip regarding the company's illegal activities.
Someone left a coffee on my desk, but they wanted to stay anonymous.
Someone left a coffee on my desk, but they wanted to stay anonymous.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'A-Non-Name': 'A' (without) + 'Non' (no) + 'Name' (nym). It literally means having no name.
Quick Quiz
The witness provided an ____ tip to the police to help solve the case without revealing their identity.
Correct!
The correct answer is: anonymous
Examples
I received an anonymous letter in the mail today with no return address.
everydayI received an anonymous letter in the mail today with no return address.
The whistle-blower provided an anonymous tip regarding the company's illegal activities.
formalThe whistle-blower provided an anonymous tip regarding the company's illegal activities.
Someone left a coffee on my desk, but they wanted to stay anonymous.
informalSomeone left a coffee on my desk, but they wanted to stay anonymous.
Participants in the study completed an anonymous questionnaire to ensure their privacy was protected.
academicParticipants in the study completed an anonymous questionnaire to ensure their privacy was protected.
An anonymous donor contributed one million dollars to the university's scholarship fund.
businessAn anonymous donor contributed one million dollars to the university's scholarship fund.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
anonymous tip-off
anonymous tip-off
anonymous feedback
anonymous feedback
choose to remain anonymous
choose to remain anonymous
Often Confused With
Unanimous means everyone is in complete agreement, whereas anonymous means the identity is unknown.
Usage Notes
Use this word when you want to highlight that a person's name is not being shared, whether by choice or because it is unknown. It is common in journalism, law, and online interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the pronunciation and spelling with 'unanimous'. Remember that 'an-on' refers to 'no name'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'A-Non-Name': 'A' (without) + 'Non' (no) + 'Name' (nym). It literally means having no name.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'anonymos', combining 'an-' (without) and 'onyma' (name).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In internet culture, 'Anonymous' is also the name of a well-known decentralized international activist and hacktivist collective.
Quick Quiz
The witness provided an ____ tip to the police to help solve the case without revealing their identity.
Correct!
The correct answer is: anonymous
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
complement
A2A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.
compound
A2Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.
conceive
A2To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.
confer
A2To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.
conform
A2To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.
consecutive
A2Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).
consistency
A2Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.
disclude
B1Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.
antiformous
B1Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.
interspect
B1Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.
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