1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ignorant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ignorant are illiterate, unlearned, unlettered, and untutored. While all these words mean "not having knowledge," ignorant may imply a general condition or it may apply to lack of knowledge or awareness of a particular thing.

an ignorant fool
ignorant of nuclear physics

When could illiterate be used to replace ignorant?

Although the words illiterate and ignorant have much in common, illiterate applies to either an absolute or a relative inability to read and write.

much of the population is still illiterate

When can unlearned be used instead of ignorant?

While the synonyms unlearned and ignorant are close in meaning, unlearned suggests ignorance of advanced subjects.

poetry not for academics but for the unlearned masses

In what contexts can unlettered take the place of ignorant?

The meanings of unlettered and ignorant largely overlap; however, unlettered implies ignorance of the knowledge gained by reading.

an allusion meaningless to the unlettered

Where would untutored be a reasonable alternative to ignorant?

The words untutored and ignorant can be used in similar contexts, but untutored may imply lack of schooling in the arts and ways of civilization.

strange monuments built by an untutored people

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 ignorant In this case, the problem is ethics in the medical profession, as young doctor Andrew Manson (Robert Donat) moves from idealism to disillusionment and back again when faced with ignorant patients who are skeptical of his conclusions, economic hardship, and crooked colleagues. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025 Exactly — omnipotent, completely ignorant to any outside influences. Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025 Eager to learn, no question, but ignorant nonetheless. Jack Albright, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Antoni is that rarity who has drawn harsh criticism from economists on the right as well as the mainstream for being ignorant, unprincipled, and incompetent. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignorant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignorant
Adjective
  • Even women of color with a college education have a higher chance of dying in childbirth than an uneducated white woman, and that is shocking.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 30 Aug. 2025
  • These consequences will not be limited to the poor, the uneducated or minority groups.
    Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet, travelers are unaware of this and therefore do not seek information and plan itineraries accordingly prior to departure.
    Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Two men — drunk named Liam, played by Callum Turner, and a family man named Nick, played by George Mackay — unaware of the vessel’s past, are hired by the families of the deceased crew to go out once more.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Interestingly, Lorraine has taught Judy to ward off her frightening visions by using a nursery rhyme, effectively teaching her to suppress her dark side.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Dolphins wear white jerseys at home for afternoon games, forcing opponents to wear darker colors that absorb more heat.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • No, Carol walks up, oblivious to all danger.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • And when that fish, in turn, succumbs to the claws of a bald eagle, its DDT dense meat becomes a poisonous lunch for an oblivious bird.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Since the election, Reform has tried to refashion itself from a protest vote party to one that could govern – untried and inexperienced, but ready to step in if the Labour Party buckles under its own blunders, and the once-mighty Conservatives drift further into political irrelevance.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
  • His emergence has enabled a talented, inexperienced team find its early identity.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • They were kept illiterate, by law.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • This was particularly important given that much of their peasant audience was illiterate, Palmer explains.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With hundreds of years of patient work behind it, with some educational institutions willing to protect their scientists, and with researchers hard at work in less-benighted nations, the human desire to know and to understand will continue to produce results.
    Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Like the original Outlander, Blood of My Blood is believably frank about the possibility of assault in the benighted past.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • No untutored voice, nor even sound of rushing car disturbed the seemingly sacred stillness of the hour.
    Erin Alberty, Axios, 14 Apr. 2025
  • His savage, untutored mind suggested no better way than that of wreaking vengeance upon those who had wronged him.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ignorant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignorant. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ignorant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!