unveiled
Americanadjective
-
not hidden by a veil or other covering; bare.
-
revealed to public knowledge or scrutiny; made evident or manifest.
the unveiled purpose of their wicked plan.
Usage
What does unveiled mean? Unveiled is an adjective that means revealed or uncovered. It comes from the past tense of the verb unveil. It can be used literally, describing something from which a veil or other physical covering has been taken off, as in The photographers gathered around the unveiled sculpture. It can also be used figuratively—often in a way that likens the thing it describes to something that has been physically uncovered. In its figurative sense, it can describe something that has been presented publicly for the first time, as in The newly unveiled model generated a lot of buzz at the convention. Or it can describe something that has been uncovered after having been kept secret or hidden, as in The now fully unveiled scandal has led to several resignations. Unveiled is especially used with words like newly, freshly, and recently. Example: The newly unveiled phone design has put all the speculation to rest.
Etymology
Origin of unveiled
1600–10; unveiled ( def. 1 ) un- 1 + veiled; unveiled ( def. 2 ) unveil + -ed 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Instagram did something bold and brave this week: It unveiled a new wordmark for the first time, stepping away from its signature cursive to a new and strange part-modern, part-script font.
From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026
As packages are unveiled and sold, available inventory on the website fluctuates — which means fans can spend a lot of time checking and rechecking.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
Harvey yesterday unveiled a major update, Harvey II, that incorporates memory into the platform.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
"The star for me means that my vision of the world as a small village is a reality," she said as it was unveiled on Tuesday.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
Jonathan felt his stomach turn all queer, for in that moment his father’s eyes became unveiled, and they revealed themselves to be full of fear.
From "The Fighting Ground" by Avi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
