C1adjective3K

Anonymous

UK /["/əˈnɒnɪməs/"]/US /["/əˈnɑːnɪməs/"]/

Definition

with a name that is not known or that is not made public

In simple words: Not known by name or not identified.

Examples

  • an anonymous donor
  • The money was donated by a local businessman who wishes to **remain anonymous**.
  • the largely anonymous perpetrators of terrorist acts
  • an anonymous letter
  • long stretches of dull and anonymous countryside
  • new housing estates with their anonymous tower blocks and large barren spaces

Usage notes

Used in contexts where someone's identity is not revealed. Can be formal when discussing reports or feedback, but can also be used informally when talking about online comments.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'anonymous' as 'a name-less' — no name attached.

Collocations

  • be
  • become
  • remain
  • completely
  • entirely
  • totally
  • prefer to remain anonymous
  • wish to remain anonymous

Synonyms

  • unidentified
  • nameless
  • unknown
  • incognito
  • secret

Antonyms

  • known
  • identified
  • named

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'unknown' — 'anonymous' means no name, 'unknown' means not known at all.
  • Using 'anonymously' incorrectly as a noun instead of as an adverb.
  • Mixing up the spelling with similar words like 'anonymus'.