knowing

adjective

know·ing | \ ˈnō-iŋ

Definition of knowing

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : having or reflecting knowledge, information, or intelligence

2a : 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

knowing

noun

Definition of knowing (Entry 2 of 2)

: acquaintance, cognizance

Other Words from knowing Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about knowing

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Synonyms & Antonyms for knowing

Synonyms: Adjective

hip, wise

Antonyms: Adjective

unknowing

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

Instead, Doe must show Michigan State harmed her through obvious and knowing indifference: school officials knew about what happened and then looked the other way. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Title IX Lawsuit Over Players' Alleged Rape Adds to Michigan State's Growing Legal Troubles," 13 Apr. 2018 Here, a simple introduction -- a knowing glance among friends -- takes place. — Susan Scutti, CNN, "Ovarian cancer vaccine shows promising results in human study," 11 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But give him a time limit, because her knowing — and your being able to talk to her without a silly secret that has zero reason to be kept — is more important than the source of the news. — Washington Post, "Carolyn Hax: Well before the wedding bells, get on the same page about children," 10 July 2019 But give him a time limit, because her knowing — and your being able to talk to her without a silly secret that has zero reason to be kept — is more important than the source of the news. — Carolyn Hax, The Mercury News, "Carolyn Hax: He wants a baby so bad, and I don’t want to break his heart," 10 July 2019 With this recipe from Washington, D.C., chef Ed Scarpone, your hands can become the knowing kind. — Bonnie S. Benwick, Twin Cities, "For a dose of comfort, make these classic cheese blintzes," 13 June 2019 With this recipe from chef Ed Scarpone, your hands can become the knowing kind. — Bonnie S. Benwick, Washington Post, "For a dose of comfort and a taste of home, make these classic cheese blintzes," 7 June 2019 Did Kim and Kanye pull a parenting trick on their oldest daughter and turn her mic off without her knowing? — Kara Nesvig, Teen Vogue, "North West Grabbed a Mic and Performed at Kanye West's Sunday Service," 8 Apr. 2019 Scent-free rubber and insulating neoprene will keep you outside without the hunted knowing. — James Lynch, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Boots for Stomping Through Mud," 29 Mar. 2019 While most violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act’s disclosure provisions are misdemeanors, a knowing and willful violation could be a felony. — New York Times, "Giuliani Says Trump Repaid Cohen for Stormy Daniels Hush Money," 2 May 2018 Magic Words: Nocturnal knowings lead to daybreak awakenings. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes October 29-November 4," 28 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'knowing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.