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
Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Every now and again, a brand-new book waves its knowing hand.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 11 Feb. 2026
Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Surprising synchronicities and special intuitive knowing, these things could be a superpower for you this month.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for knowing
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Adjective
Dimoldenberg built her career on the art of the awkward celebrity interview, so the idea of one such encounter spiraling into something deeper carries a certain knowing wink for her dedicated fanbase.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Every now and again, a brand-new book waves its knowing hand.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
How can public property be sold without the public knowing who bought it?
—Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Surprising synchronicities and special intuitive knowing, these things could be a superpower for you this month.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for knowing
Cite this Entry
“Knowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowing. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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