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

Would the petulant, arrogant, all-knowing Donald still have started a war against Iran? —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026

Turan’s crystal ball puts an all-knowing AI—the holy grail of artificial general intelligence, or AGI—at around the summer of 2033. —Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026

Noun

The fashion innovator and Zendaya’s latest partnership comes shortly after Law made headlines by seemingly confirming that his longtime client had already married Tom Holland without the public knowing. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026

How can public property be sold without the public knowing who bought it? —Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 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