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

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