SyntaxError: Unexpected token - How to Fix (2026)

What is SyntaxError: Unexpected Token?

The error SyntaxError: Unexpected token occurs when JavaScript encounters code that doesn't follow the language syntax rules. This is a parse-time error, meaning the code won't even run.

Error Message:
SyntaxError: Unexpected token '{'
SyntaxError: Unexpected token, expected ","

Common Causes

Missing or extra brackets, parentheses, or braces
Missing commas in objects or arrays
Missing semicolons (in some cases)
Using reserved keywords incorrectly
Invalid JSON or object syntax

Quick Fix (TL;DR)

Quick Solution

// ❌ Problem - Missing closing brace
function greet() {
    console.log('Hello');
// SyntaxError: Unexpected end of input

// ✅ Solution - Add closing brace
function greet() {
    console.log('Hello');
}

// ❌ Problem - Missing comma
const user = {
    name: 'John'
    age: 30  // Missing comma
};

// ✅ Solution - Add comma
const user = {
    name: 'John',
    age: 30
};

Common Scenarios & Solutions

Scenario 1: Missing Closing Brackets

Forgetting to close brackets, braces, or parentheses.

Problem

// Missing closing brace
function calculate(a, b) {
    return a + b;
// SyntaxError: Unexpected end of input

// Missing closing bracket
const numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4;
// SyntaxError: Unexpected token ';'

// Missing closing parenthesis
if (x > 10 {
    console.log('Greater');
}
// SyntaxError: Unexpected token '{'

Solution

// Add closing brace
function calculate(a, b) {
    return a + b;
} // ✅

// Add closing bracket
const numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4]; // ✅

// Add closing parenthesis
if (x > 10) { // ✅
    console.log('Greater');
}

// Use IDE with bracket matching
// Most editors highlight matching brackets

Scenario 2: Missing Commas in Objects/Arrays

Forgetting commas between object properties or array elements.

Problem

// Missing comma in object
const user = {
    name: 'John'
    age: 30  // SyntaxError: Unexpected identifier
};

// Missing comma in array
const colors = [
    'red'
    'blue'  // SyntaxError: Unexpected string
    'green'
];

Solution

// Add commas in object
const user = {
    name: 'John',  // ✅
    age: 30
};

// Add commas in array
const colors = [
    'red',   // ✅
    'blue',  // ✅
    'green'
];

Scenario 3: Using Reserved Keywords

Using JavaScript reserved keywords as variable names or in wrong context.

Problem

// Using reserved keyword as variable
const class = 'Math'; // SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'class'
const function = 'test'; // SyntaxError: Unexpected token 'function'

// Using await outside async function
function getData() {
    const data = await fetch('/api'); // SyntaxError in non-async function
}

Solution

// Use different variable names
const className = 'Math'; // ✅
const functionName = 'test'; // ✅

// Use async function for await
async function getData() {
    const data = await fetch('/api'); // ✅
    return data;
}

Scenario 4: Invalid Arrow Function Syntax

Incorrect arrow function syntax.

Problem

// Missing arrow
const add = (a, b) { return a + b; }; // SyntaxError

// Wrong arrow syntax
const multiply = (a, b) > a * b; // SyntaxError

// Missing parentheses for multiple parameters
const divide = a, b => a / b; // SyntaxError

Solution

// Add arrow =>
const add = (a, b) => { return a + b; }; // ✅

// Or implicit return
const add = (a, b) => a + b; // ✅

// Correct arrow syntax
const multiply = (a, b) => a * b; // ✅

// Add parentheses for multiple parameters
const divide = (a, b) => a / b; // ✅

// Single parameter doesn't need parentheses
const square = x => x * x; // ✅

Scenario 5: Template Literal Errors

Incorrect template literal syntax.

Problem

// Using regular quotes instead of backticks
const name = 'John';
const message = 'Hello ${name}'; // Doesn't interpolate
console.log(message); // "Hello ${name}"

// Missing closing backtick
const text = `Hello
World; // SyntaxError: Unexpected token

// Wrong interpolation syntax
const greeting = `Hello $name`; // Doesn't interpolate

Solution

// Use backticks for template literals
const name = 'John';
const message = `Hello ${name}`; // ✅
console.log(message); // "Hello John"

// Close backtick properly
const text = `Hello
World`; // ✅

// Use ${} for interpolation
const greeting = `Hello ${name}`; // ✅