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knowing

1 of 2

adjective

know·​ing ˈnō-iŋ How to pronounce knowing (audio)
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

knowing

2 of 2

noun

Synonyms of knowing

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
After their dance, Derek Hough remarked on the pair's chemistry, and his partner Witney Carson gave a knowing look, prompting fans to speculate about a budding romance. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025 By contrast, human beings aren’t all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good. JSTOR Daily, 13 Nov. 2025
Noun
Although God is all-knowing, Brian Cox had no knowledge his voice of the Almighty would be used for Fox News Audio‘s The Life of Jesus Podcast. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2025 Despite knowing of Connolly’s exclusive deal with Disney, the company offered Connolly a job to spearhead its media and sports division. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knowing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knowing was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowing. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

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

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