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unawares

adverb un·awares \ ˌən-ə-ˈwerz \
|Updated on: 8 Jul 2018

Definition of unawares

1 : without design, attention, preparation, or premeditation
2 : without warning : suddenly, unexpectedly

See unawares defined for English-language learners

See unawares defined for kids

Examples of unawares in a Sentence

  1. the thunderstorm caught us unawares, and we scrambled to get off the ridge as lightning started to flash

Recent Examples of unawares from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unawares.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of unawares

un- + aware + -s, adverb suffix, from Middle English, from -s, genitive singular ending of nouns — more at -s

unawares Synonyms

Synonyms

aback, suddenly, unaware, unexpectedly;

Near Antonyms

laggardly, leisurely, slowly, sluggishly, tardily;

obviously;

Related Words

abruptly, short;

amazingly, astoundingly, surprisingly;

Phrases

all of a sudden, off base;

Phrases Related to UNAWARES

Related Phrases

UNAWARES Defined for English Language Learners

unawares

adverb

Definition of unawares for English Language Learners

  • : without warning

UNAWARES Defined for Kids

unawares

adverb un·awares \ ˌən-ə-ˈwerz \

Definition of unawares for Students

1 : without warning : by surprise
  • “The danger is being caught unawares.”
  • —Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted
2 : without knowing : unintentionally I came upon them unawares.

Learn More about unawares

  1. See words that rhyme with unawares Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unawares Spanish Central: Translation of unawares Nglish: Translation of unawares for Spanish speakers

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