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

Magic Words: Nocturnal knowings lead to daybreak awakenings. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes October 29-November 4," 28 Oct. 2018 The Cabana editor in chief grew up in a Renzo Mongiardino home; she was exposed to artful excellence early on, which laid the foundation for her knowing design eye. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Catching Up With Cabana: The Treasured Magazine Releases an Anthology and Debuts a Pop-Up Shop," 14 Sep. 2018 Far easier to denounce the enemy and enjoy the knowing nods of your friends. — Barton Swaim, WSJ, "Politics Books: The Fire This Time," 27 Sep. 2018 Almost everyone worth knowing has been canceled by someone. — Jonah Engel Bromwich, New York Times, "Everyone Is Canceled," 28 June 2018 Until this period, theologians used counterfactuals only as a way to prove God’s goodness, and Divine Providence—the deity as all-powerful, all-knowing, and all goodness. — Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, "What if Napoleon Hadn’t Lost Europe and Other Questions of Alternate History," 14 June 2018 The film's impulse to profess a knowing, snarky superiority can become painfully awkward. — Jen Yamato, latimes.com, "Snark conquers all in 'Deadpool 2,' a superhero sequel that's more of the same," 15 May 2018 Ciminierti was a single unwed mother in the 1930s and her baby was taken away from her without her knowing. — Natalie Dreier, ajc, "100-year-old mother meets daughter taken away for adoption," 4 July 2018 Given the strong print, Mulligan was wise to take a restrained approach to accessories, adding no major sparkle save for a knowing, confident smile. — Maria Ward, Vogue, "Carey Mulligan Makes the Case for Modest Style at the Tony Awards," 11 June 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.