Anonymous: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone or something is unknown by name, often to protect privacy or identity.

• The donor chose to remain anonymous
• An anonymous letter was sent to the police

Conveys that a person or thing lacks a name, often used in literary or emotional contexts.

• She felt a nameless dread every time she entered the old house
• The artist painted a nameless figure in the background

Used in more official or formal contexts, often referring to people or objects whose identity is not known.

• The unidentified body was found in the river
• The police are looking for an unidentified suspect

Indicates that someone or something has not been named, often used in news reports or formal documents.

• An unnamed source leaked the information
• The book mentions an unnamed hero

Used when the identity of a person is deliberately kept secret or is unknown, often in contexts like donations or comments.

• The donor chose to remain anonymous
• The anonymous author wrote a moving letter

Used in formal or official contexts to describe someone whose identity is not known, often in police or news reports.

• The police are looking for an unknown person who was seen near the crime scene
• An unknown person left a package at the door

Used in formal writing or reporting to refer to someone whose identity is not revealed, often to protect privacy or due to lack of information.

• An unnamed individual has won the lottery
• The unnamed individual was seen leaving the building

Used informally to describe someone whose identity or details are unknown and who has intrigued curiosity.

• She received flowers from a mystery man
• The mystery man at the party left everyone guessing