anonymity

noun

an·​o·​nym·​i·​ty ˌa-nə-ˈni-mə-tē How to pronounce anonymity (audio)
plural anonymities
1
: the quality or state of being anonymous
enjoyed the anonymity of life in a large city
2
: one that is anonymous
a crowd of faceless anonymities

Examples of anonymity in a Sentence

They are trying to protect their child's anonymity. She enjoyed the anonymity of life in a large city.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Also of note: The Beavers don’t have much NIL money compared to other top-10 programs, according to multiple sources inside and outside the program who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 30 May 2025 The woman shared her story under the condition of anonymity and took the stand under the name Mia and was identified as Victim-4. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 30 May 2025 Defense officials traveling with Hegseth, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak to the media, called the absence of a higher-level Chinese delegation an opportunity for the U.S. to make inroads. David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 In a new report from WIRED, several past staffers spoke out against Mace, 47, under the condition of anonymity in order to avoid retaliation from their former boss. Meredith Kile, People.com, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for anonymity

Word History

Etymology

anonym(ous) + -ity

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anonymity was in 1820

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Cite this Entry

“Anonymity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anonymity. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

anonymity

noun
an·​o·​nym·​i·​ty ˌan-ə-ˈnim-ət-ē How to pronounce anonymity (audio)
plural anonymities
: the quality or state of being anonymous

More from Merriam-Webster on anonymity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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