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
4
: deliberate
knowing interference in the affairs of another
knowingly
adverb
knowingness
noun
Synonyms
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
Vulture, 10 Aug. 2023
The show, which aired on CBS between 1986 and 1990, was funny, knowing, refreshing.
—Bruce Handy, The New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2023
The teenagers of Generation X took to Pee-wee immediately, imitating him in a knowing way.
—Hank Stuever, Washington Post, 31 July 2023
Joined by her childhood best friend, a cousin and a college friend living in China, Audrey’s journey becomes a platform for wild humor and a knowing look at clashing sensibilities.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2023
But at least thus far, the show plainly lacks the knowing, campy tone of that erotic-thriller classic.
—Vulture, 4 June 2023
The mother-daughter duo shared the knowing look while Prince Louis was briefly out of his seat.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 7 May 2023
Reimagine is a word that has been tossed around so brazenly — by people and institutions looking to rebrand and revise history — that its invocation can elicit more knowing smirks than exciting thrills.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Apr. 2023
Absolutely nothing, because this beginner’s luck, this not-knowing, has prevented me from overthinking too much.
—Véronique Hyland, ELLE, 28 Mar. 2023
Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2023
As if there is an inner knowing gently informing your movements.
—Mickey Rapkin, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2023
But there’s no knowing how long these discounts will last, so don’t hesitate to check out today.
—Nicola Fumo, Peoplemag, 13 July 2023
Next, practice stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking action based on your inner knowing.
—Mj Impastato, Forbes, 3 May 2023
By now, that’s the thing about these disclosures: the awfulness is not only in the knowing but in the instantaneous awareness that the knowing probably doesn’t much matter.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2020
And the final quadrant, Validation, sits between knowing and anxiety—competence with questionable confidence.
—Brendan P. Keegan, Forbes, 3 May 2023
This can prevent us from accessing our inner knowing.
—Mj Impastato, Forbes, 3 May 2023
And in 2022, to make it all the way to your premiere with no one knowing is a miracle.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 15 Sep. 2022
See More
Adjective
More pressingly, the writing, intent on remaining lightly comic and knowing, keeps delivering what is familiar and unchallenging.
—Vulture, 10 Aug. 2023
The show, which aired on CBS between 1986 and 1990, was funny, knowing, refreshing.
—Bruce Handy, The New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2023
The teenagers of Generation X took to Pee-wee immediately, imitating him in a knowing way.
—Hank Stuever, Washington Post, 31 July 2023
Joined by her childhood best friend, a cousin and a college friend living in China, Audrey’s journey becomes a platform for wild humor and a knowing look at clashing sensibilities.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2023
But at least thus far, the show plainly lacks the knowing, campy tone of that erotic-thriller classic.
—Vulture, 4 June 2023
The mother-daughter duo shared the knowing look while Prince Louis was briefly out of his seat.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 7 May 2023
Reimagine is a word that has been tossed around so brazenly — by people and institutions looking to rebrand and revise history — that its invocation can elicit more knowing smirks than exciting thrills.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Apr. 2023
Absolutely nothing, because this beginner’s luck, this not-knowing, has prevented me from overthinking too much.
—Véronique Hyland, ELLE, 28 Mar. 2023
Noun
Successful state title defenses will largely come down to quarterback play, and Millers coach Reggie White and Dunbar’s Lawrence Smith can rest a little easier knowing who is in charge.
—Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2023
As if there is an inner knowing gently informing your movements.
—Mickey Rapkin, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2023
But there’s no knowing how long these discounts will last, so don’t hesitate to check out today.
—Nicola Fumo, Peoplemag, 13 July 2023
Next, practice stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking action based on your inner knowing.
—Mj Impastato, Forbes, 3 May 2023
By now, that’s the thing about these disclosures: the awfulness is not only in the knowing but in the instantaneous awareness that the knowing probably doesn’t much matter.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2020
And the final quadrant, Validation, sits between knowing and anxiety—competence with questionable confidence.
—Brendan P. Keegan, Forbes, 3 May 2023
This can prevent us from accessing our inner knowing.
—Mj Impastato, Forbes, 3 May 2023
And in 2022, to make it all the way to your premiere with no one knowing is a miracle.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 15 Sep. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'knowing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing knowing
Dictionary Entries Near knowing
Cite this Entry
“Knowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowing. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
knowing
adjective
know·ing
ˈnō-iŋ
1
: having or showing special knowledge
a knowing smile
2
: shrewdly and keenly alert
3
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
More from Merriam-Webster on knowing
Nglish: Translation of knowing for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of knowing for Arabic Speakers
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