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 of knowing

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

The area Set in the hills, out of earshot from the tourist churn of Hastings Street, this is the quieter, more knowing side of Noosa. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Bound by ironclad nondisclosure agreements, Madison reveals that Facebook leadership was well aware of the platform’s harmful effects on teens — and its knowing proliferation of misinformation, which contributed to acts of political violence. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026

Noun

Without her knowing, co-workers sought to get tested to see if anyone would be a compatible donor. —Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

That moment of ancient knowing justifies the journey to this remote location. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

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