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
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
Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
The knowing sense that, for whatever reason, this is a place where you’re meant to be.
—Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
Colin Bedell, Them., 25 Apr. 2025
There’s no knowing that Fry will evolve from a player-to-be-named into a postseason hero, with two game-winning blasts in one week in mid-October.
—Zack Meisel, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knowing
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Adjective
On the contrary, Grade observes their fictional counterparts with a knowing, sometimes cynical, but always loving eye.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
The knowing sense that, for whatever reason, this is a place where you’re meant to be.
—Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
Your quiet inner knowing is on its way to becoming a steady source of helpful wisdom.
—Colin Bedell, Them., 25 Apr. 2025
There’s no knowing that Fry will evolve from a player-to-be-named into a postseason hero, with two game-winning blasts in one week in mid-October.
—Zack Meisel, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knowing
Cite this Entry
“Knowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowing. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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