knowing

1 of 3

adjective

know·​ing ˈnō-iŋ 

1

: having or reflecting knowledge, information, or intelligence

2

a

: shrewdly and keenly alert : astute

a knowing observer

b

: indicating possession of exclusive inside knowledge or information

a knowing smile

3

: cognitive

4

: deliberate

knowing interference in the affairs of another

knowingly adverb

knowingness noun

knowing

2 of 3

noun (1)

: acquaintance, cognizance

knowingness

3 of 3

noun (2)

know·​ing·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being knowing

the brisk knowingness of a competent journalist

—C. J. Rolo

Synonyms of knowing

Adjective

• aware

Examples of knowing in a Sentence

Adjective

She looked at us in a knowing way.

exchanged a knowing look with her business partner during the sales presentation

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The bigger picture The algorithm that blocked your payment isn’t all-knowing or neutral. — Pragati Awasthi, The Conversation, 26 May 2026

Life before her diagnosis had been stressful, uncertain, a season of not quite knowing where she was headed. — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, SELF, 29 May 2026

Noun

There is no knowing who else was turned down for this premier academic post or why. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026

The simple knowing haunts the home dweller, as eventually, all of the unseen areas have to be addressed. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing knowing

• self-knowing

Rhymes for knowing

• blowing
• boing
• bowing
• crowing
• flowing
• glowing
• going
• growing
• hoeing
• lowing
• rowing
• sewing

Kids Definition

knowing

adjective

know·​ing

ˈnō-iŋ

1

: having or showing special knowledge

a knowing smile

2

: shrewdly and keenly alert

3

: intentional

knowingly adverb

Legal Definition

knowing

adjective

know·​ing

1

: having or reflecting knowledge

a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel

see also intelligent

2

: deliberate sense 2

knowing possession

knowing endangerment

compare mens rea

knowingly adverb