unsuspecting

adjective

un·​sus·​pect·​ing ˌən-sə-ˈspek-tiŋ 

: unaware of any danger or threat : not suspecting

unsuspecting victims

unsuspectingly adverb

Synonyms of unsuspecting

• naive
• innocent
• inexperienced
• simple
• unwary

Examples of unsuspecting in a Sentence

sidewalk vendors selling bogus gems to unsuspecting tourists

Recent Examples on the Web

An unusual black box near the American Museum of Natural History’s (AMNH) iconic blue whale lures unsuspecting visitors to one of the museum’s most dramatic displays. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026

The movement feels fluid but also brutally impactful when Wolvie lands claws-first on an unsuspecting enemy with a thud. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

The record-breaking Los Angeles Lakers sale, announced Wednesday to a largely unsuspecting audience, is packed with intrigue. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Curtis worries the bait used to reel in these apex predators is taking them dangerously close to the beach and unsuspecting swimmers. — Tom Hanson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsuspecting

• disconnecting
• disinfecting
• interjecting
• intersecting
• recollecting
• reconnecting
• redirecting
• resurrecting
• unreflecting
• affecting
• bisecting
• collecting