knowing

1 of 2

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 2

noun

: acquaintance, cognizance

Synonyms

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

While opinions inevitably vary, Carpenter is walking the fine line between irreverence and responsibility with a knowing wink and an all-important sense of humor. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025

The effect is to infuse the story with an undeniable and knowing nostalgia; how quaint, at Alma’s party, to find everyone debating matters of representational consequence. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025

Noun

Despite knowing of Connolly’s exclusive deal with Disney, the company offered Connolly a job to spearhead its media and sports division. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025

The same knowing that my ancestors must have held, that beauty and resilience are not separate things. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

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