1
as in aware
having inside information
exchanged a knowing look with her business partner during the sales presentation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
knowing movie producers do not invest their own money in their risky ventures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in conscious
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing
a knowing waiver of his rights
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in considered
decided on as a result of careful thought
with knowing equivocation, the witness responded to the question without really answering it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in understanding
to have a practical understanding of
a career diplomat who knows several languages a fan who really knows baseball
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it
knows full well how nerve-racking it can be to speak in public
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in seeing
to have a clear idea of
I think I know what you're trying to say
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of knowing
Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The receptionist watches her leave with a knowing look — there is more to come here.
—Christina Grace Tucker, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
Offering support at key moments is a knowing, keen-eyed librarian (Jessica Harper), a mysterious book about the hidden history of magical women, and suddenly clearer memories of her devoted mom (Kerry O’Malley), who may have had her own privately liberating nocturnal existence.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Finding Trans Community in Airport Security Writer Samantha Allen on the knowing nods that create comfort in a hostile space.
—Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for knowing
Adjective
Might the oversized love throw pillow be a knowing wink to the Cirque du Soleil show of the same name?
—Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The receptionist watches her leave with a knowing look — there is more to come here.
—Christina Grace Tucker, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
Offering support at key moments is a knowing, keen-eyed librarian (Jessica Harper), a mysterious book about the hidden history of magical women, and suddenly clearer memories of her devoted mom (Kerry O’Malley), who may have had her own privately liberating nocturnal existence.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Finding Trans Community in Airport Security Writer Samantha Allen on the knowing nods that create comfort in a hostile space.
—Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for knowing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowing
Adjective
-
People advised to avoid salt or lower sodium in their diet should be aware of this if considering eating sauerkraut.—
Amber J. Tresca,
Verywell Health,
2 May 2025
-
The White House is likely aware of that fact as it reportedly is expected to go to Congress with a formal request to claw back the $1.1 billion currently allocated for the CPB over the next two years.—
Stephen Battaglio,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
The company says its goal is to help small teams power smarter, faster growth without technical overhead.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Daisy Ridley's Rey is wicked smart and a capable hero in a universe with the baddies of the First Order on the warpath.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Adjective
-
The fact that Nicky is suddenly conscious enough to fly it right to its target is certainly questionable, though.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
-
The trouble is that prematurely assuming a chatbot is conscious could lead to all sorts of problems.—
Susan Schneider,
Scientific American,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Read more Dua and Callum’s Couple Style Is, Like Them, Hot Turner’s low-key but considered looks are the perfect backdrop to his girlfriend’s more mercurial wardrobe.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
27 Dec. 2024
-
Working from Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay, Jenkins tries to allay a clunky narrative with his intimate and considered style.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Todd Stoll is an experienced performer, Duke Ellington expert, author, and educator.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
-
But the spokesperson did not say when the program's work would fully resume or how the work would continue without any of the experienced employees who have been laid off.—
Dr. Mark Abdelmalek,
ABC News,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Not an add-on department, but a deliberate disruption team.—
Abigail Stuart,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Lest anyone think that this is not a deliberate homage to the legend of rock pyromaniac Jerry Lee Lewis, the singer let out what sure sounded like a couple of wildcat Jerry Lee trills.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
What starts as a calculated attempt to regain control quickly spirals into emotional chaos.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
-
Liverpool’s ascent to becoming 2024-25 Premier League champions was more deliberate than dramatic, their path plotted with calculated precision by Arne Slot and his coaching staff, but there have been some big incidents along the way that have proved crucial.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
New research found that having more menopause symptoms was linked to worse cognitive and behavioral function, which are markers of dementia.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Health,
11 Apr. 2025
-
My tailbones were sore and my legs tired after nearly three days of nonstop cycling, and the thought of having the breeze at our backs on our final day boosted my mood.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knowing. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share