Anonymous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ə-ˈnä-nə-məs/ anon·y·mous

Meaning & Definition of Anonymous

Anonymous (adjective)

  1. of unknown authorship or origin
  2. not named or identified
  3. lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability

Anonymous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. known but not named

    "I heard the news from a person who will remain anonymous"

    similar: certain, given, one, some, unidentified, unnamed, unspecified
    related: particular, specific
    near: known, named, specified

  2. not named or identified by a name

    "a beautiful manuscript illuminated by an anonymous medieval monk"

    similar: faceless, incognito, innominate, nameless, unbaptized, unchristened, unidentified, unnamed, untitled
    related: undetermined, unspecified, obscure, uncelebrated, unheard-of, unheralded, unknown, unsung, unexceptional, unremarkable
    opposite: baptized, christened, dubbed, named, termed
    near: denominated, designated, specified, labeled, tabbed, titled, celebrated, famed, famous, known, notable, noted, noteworthy, remarkable, renowned, well-known, exceptional

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Anonymous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Anonymous:

certain, given, one, some, unidentified, unnamed, unspecified, faceless, incognito, innominate, nameless, unbaptized, unchristened, untitled

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Anonymous

Words with the opposite meaning of Anonymous:

baptized, christened, dubbed, named, termed

Related Words for Anonymous

particular, specific, undetermined, obscure, uncelebrated, unheard-of, unheralded, unknown, unsung, unexceptional, unremarkable

Near Antonyms of Anonymous

known, specified, denominated, designated, labeled, tabbed, titled, celebrated, famed, famous, notable, noted, noteworthy, remarkable, renowned, well-known, exceptional

Word Forms of Anonymous

Derived words: anonymousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Anonymous

Late Latin anōnymos, anōnymus "lacking a name" (borrowed from Greek anṓnymos "lacking a name, unnamed, not well-known or remembered," from an- an- + -ōnymos, derivative in adjectival compounds of ónoma, Doric and Aeolic dialects ónyma "name") + -ous name:1

First known use: 1625

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Anonymous

Frequently Asked Questions about Anonymous

What does "Anonymous" mean?

"Anonymous" means of unknown authorship or origin. As an adjective, it is defined as: of unknown authorship or origin. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Anonymous"?

Other words for "Anonymous" include certain, given, one, some, unidentified, unnamed, unspecified and faceless. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Anonymous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Anonymous"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Anonymous". Common alternatives include certain, given, one, some, unidentified, unnamed, unspecified, faceless, incognito and innominate.

What is the opposite of "Anonymous"?

Antonyms of "Anonymous" include baptized, christened, dubbed, named and termed. Near antonyms include known, specified, denominated and designated.

How do you use "Anonymous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Anonymous" in a sentence: "I heard the news from a person who will remain anonymous"; "a beautiful manuscript illuminated by an anonymous medieval monk".

Is "Anonymous" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Anonymous" is an adjective.

Is "Anonymous" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Anonymous" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Anonymous"?

"Anonymous" is pronounced /ə-ˈnä-nə-məs/ and divided into syllables as anon·y·mous.