IGNORANCE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

ignorance

noun

ˈig-n(ə-)rən(t)s

Definition of ignorance

as in unfamiliarity

the state of being unaware or uninformed ignorance of the law is no excuse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in illiteracy

the state of being unlearned with such vast sums spent on education, the level of ignorance among graduating seniors is a national disgrace

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 ignorance The answer is Asia—if both sides can overcome their mutual ignorance. — Barrett Bingley, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026 Ascherson chose a life, with its focus on seeing as much of the world as possible, that functioned as a reproach to that kind of ignorance. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 The matter was internally chalked up to ignorance about the rules and the story quickly faded. — Dan Woike, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Despite the structure of bets and trades, the point of the idea-futures business is to gamble on insight rather than ignorance. — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignorance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignorance

Noun

Casting, per Mehta, hinged on unfamiliarity rather than name recognition.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
Those changes could create some unfamiliarity amongst the divisional opponents in Week 1, Payton said.

— Sam Jane, Denver Post, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of unfamiliarity

Noun

There’s no danger of spontaneous mass illiteracy, but the complex cognitive skills that reading fosters start to degrade.

— Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
And now creative events like the various fair demonstrations and exhibits bring the problem of illiteracy into public spaces and help remove the stigma surrounding it.

— Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

Definition of illiteracy

Noun

That raw innocence would prove crucial to Zai’s character, who experiences a gamut of violations masked as privilege.

— Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
The Adelson family had long denied any involvement in Markel’s killing, and in August 2016, their lawyer released a statement maintaining their innocence.

— Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of innocence

Noun

The latest contestant in this recurring game of fiscal stupidity is Miami.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
That’s only made worse by the fact that it’s treated as some kind of grand betrayal rather than an impulsive act of youthful stupidity that will make for a good story one day.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 July 2026

Definition of stupidity

Noun

Black enrollees reported the highest rate of unawareness of work requirements at 62%, compared to 56% among White enrollees and 54% among Hispanic enrollees.

— Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
At the same time, Weinberger added, the greatest treatment obstacle is patients not taking their medications — sometimes due to anosognosia, the unawareness of being ill, which affects 50% to 98% of people with schizophrenia.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

Definition of unawareness

Noun

The first 10 minutes are an incredible swirl of paranoia, alcoholism, and sluggish dumbness when Gould just needs to feed his cat.

— Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Unlike its sibling concepts of dumbness and idiocy, stupidity isn’t really a personality trait.

— Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of dumbness

Browse Nearby Words

ignoramuses

ignorance

ignorant

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“Ignorance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignorance. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ignorance

noun

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