anonymous

[ uh-non-uh-muhs ]

adjective

1. without any name acknowledged, as that of author, contributor, or the like:

   an anonymous letter to the editor; an anonymous donation.

2. of unknown name; whose name is withheld:

   an anonymous author.

3. lacking individuality, unique character, or distinction:

   an endless row of drab, anonymous houses.

anonymous

/ əˈnɒnɪməs; ˌænəˈnɪmɪtɪ /

adjective

1. from or by a person, author, etc, whose name is unknown or withheld

   an anonymous letter

2. having no known name
3. lacking individual characteristics; unexceptional
4. often capital denoting an organization which provides help to applicants who remain anonymous

   Alcoholics Anonymous

Derived Forms

• anonymity, noun
• aˈnonymously, adverb
• aˈnonymousness, noun

Other Words From

• a·non·y·mous·ness noun
• a·non·y·mous·ly adverb
• non·a·non·y·mous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anonymous¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin anōnymus, from Greek anṓnymos, equivalent to an- an- ¹ + -ōnym(a) (variant of ónyma ) -onym (earlier (a)n- with vowel lengthening; anopheles ) + -os adjective suffix; -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of anonymous¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek anōnumos, from an- + onoma name

Example Sentences

Although there may not be a Tom Brady of crypto due to the fact that the originator of Bitcoin is anonymous, everyone who talks about cryptocurrencies and digital assets helps validate the industry.

From Fortune

At the same time, it tightened internet censorship by banning anonymous users—a provision enforced by regular government inspections of data from internet service providers.

From MIT Technology Review

This massive, mostly anonymous and pseudonymous group of internet culture cops is doing a large and likely growing share of the daily work of content-policing.

From Nautilus

Moser said his client wanted to remain anonymous, so they tried to take advantage of a loophole — as far as they saw it — in state law that doesn’t require the disclosure of independent expenditures under $1,000.

From Voice of San Diego

We are now building this element, and plan to have all of our users’ personal data stored on the blockchain and accessed only by them ensuring them with complete control over their data that’s also kept anonymous.

From Search Engine Watch

But the Lizard Squad was able to get one thing done: Piss off Anonymous, the best known of the hacktivist collectives.

From The Daily Beast

It almost makes you wonder if Lizard Squad did this just to annoy Anonymous and the other earnest champions of privacy.

From The Daily Beast

If only Sulzberger had managed to keep a zipped upper lip while leaving the dirty work to anonymous underlings.

From The Daily Beast

I wanted to be anonymous, as some of these people were friends of mine.

From The Daily Beast

Liar "I sometimes wish I could be anonymous and just walk down the street like everybody else."

From The Daily Beast

The reception was not encouraging, only one anonymous critic speaking warmly in praise of the music.

From Project Gutenberg

Suppose the doctor revealed the actual truth by means of some anonymous communication?

From Project Gutenberg

Excepting minor clarifications, all deal with Hills answer to the anonymous gentleman.

From Project Gutenberg

Next an anonymous Irish Member fell over the bench on to Saunderson's knee, and was there incontinently but heartily pummelled.

From Project Gutenberg

It is to be observed that with the exception of Burgred's coins and a few anonymous pieces the silver was never adulterated.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• nameless
• undisclosed
• unidentified
• unnamed
• unsigned

More About Anonymous

What does anonymous mean?

Anonymous means that a person’s name or identity has not been revealed or given or has been withheld, as in an anonymous donor or an anonymous tip or Survey respondents will remain anonymous. 

Example: My source insists on remaining anonymous—they fear they would be punished for providing information if they were to be identified. 

There are many reasons why a person might want to be anonymous. A vote might be done anonymously to protect voters or to encourage them to give an honest vote even if it might be unpopular. Reporters will attribute information to anonymous sources to protect them from political or other retribution. Some people prefer to be anonymous online.

The noun anonymity refers to the state of being anonymous. 

The word anonymous is prominently used in the name of the organization Alcoholics Anonymous, which encourages anonymity among its members. 

Another well-known use of the word is in the name of the modern hacker collective that calls itself Anonymous. The group’s name refers to the fact that members’ identities are unknown both to the public and other members, who rarely use their real names.  

Less commonly, anonymous can be used in situations in which no name is acknowledged, such as with the authorship of a book, as in The popular book was written by an anonymous author. 

A more figurative sense of anonymous is used to describe something lacking any unique character, as in We live in some anonymous suburb.

Where does anonymous come from?

The first records of the word anonymous come from around 1595. It ultimately comes from Greek anṓnymos, which is equivalent of combining an-, meaning “without,” and -ōnym, meaning “name.” Anonymous basically means a name is missing or not being given. 

Anonymous should not be confused with the somewhat similar-sounding unanimous, which describes complete agreement. Careful: in some cases, a vote can be both anonymous (using secret ballots without names, for example) and unanimous (meaning everyone voted in the same way). (Of course, in such a case, it would then be obvious how everyone voted.)

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to anonymous?

• anonymously (adverb)
• anonymity (noun)
• anonymousness (noun)
• nonanonymousness (noun)

What are some synonyms for anonymous?

• nameless
• unidentified
• unnamed
• undisclosed

What are some words that share a root or word element with anonymous? 

• anonymize
• synonymous
• pseudonymous

What are some words that often get used in discussing anonymous?

• vote
• donor
• source 
• message
• remain

What are some words anonymous may be commonly confused with?

• unanimous
• anomalous

How is anonymous used in real life?

Anonymous is commonly used in the context of news reports with unnamed sources. It’s also used in the context of voting and online activity.

Random reminder that an anonymous source is not anonymous to the reporter who got that information

— Kathryn Watson (@kathrynw5) October 3, 2020

We've just received a very generous anonymous donation – whoever you are, thank you! 💛💙

— LUFC Trust (@lufctrust) July 13, 2017

To whoever sent me flowers,thank you! They're gorgeous and a spot of color in an otherwise gloomy outlook. Please get in touch so I can can say thanks as the card was anonymous!

— Nirave 尼拉夫 (@nirave) June 26, 2020

Try using anonymous!

True or False?

An anonymous author is an author whose name is unknown or has not been revealed.