Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not identified by name; of unknown name: Used to describe a person, group, or thing whose name is not known or is withheld.
   • Lacking individuality, character, or distinction: Used to describe something that is not unique or distinctive, often in a negative sense.

Usage and Examples

• Describing an unnamed person or source:
  • The donation was made by an anonymous benefactor.
  • The poem was published by an anonymous author.
• Describing something lacking distinct features:
  • He worked in an anonymous office building in the city center.
  • The report criticized the anonymous architecture of the new housing development.

Advanced Usage

• "to remain anonymous": To choose not to reveal one's identity.
  • The whistleblower wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.
• "anonymous to": Not known or recognized by someone.
  • The donor was anonymous to the public but known to the board.

Variants and Related Words

• Anonymity (n): The condition of being anonymous.
  • The witness was granted anonymity for their protection.
• Anonymously (adv): In an anonymous manner.
  • The tip was submitted anonymously.

Synonyms

• Unnamed: Not having been given a name.
• Unidentified: Not recognized or known.
• Faceless: Lacking character or individuality (often for organizations).

Antonyms

• Identified: Having been recognized or named.
• Named: Having a specified name.
• Famous: Known about by many people.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Anonymous as a ghost: Completely untraceable or unidentifiable.
  • The hacker operated, anonymous as a ghost, for years before being caught.
• In the anonymous mass: As part of a large, indistinguishable group.
  • It's easy to feel lost in the anonymous mass of a big city.

Adjective

1. not known or lacking marked individuality
   • brown anonymous houses
   • anonymous bureaucrats in the Civil Service
2. having no known name or identity or known source
   • anonymous authors
   • anonymous donors
   • an anonymous gift