KNEW Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

knew

verb

Definition of knew

past tense of know

as in understood

to have a practical understanding of a career diplomat who knows several languages a fan who really knows baseball

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in experienced

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

as in saw

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 knew The masked suspect who fatally shot a beloved barber while trying to steal his handmade Miami Cuban bracelet outside a Queens strip club ran off empty-handed, but left those who knew the victim with an unfathomable hole in their hearts. — Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026 The group knew that for many listeners outside Japan, this wouldn’t simply be a new single. — Crystal Bell, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026 Police told Fox News Digital that both a possible motive and whether Hemingway and Evans knew each other remained part of the ongoing investigation. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026 The first victim knew Castro; the second victim did not, Gadeberg said. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 Senior quarterback Carter McDonald, who is splitting reps with sophomore Oliver Johnston, knew somebody would emerge as the Storm’s leading receiver. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 Taylor noted the wind, which was ideal, and knew the whitetail hadn’t caught his scent. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026 Phillip and Makenzie choreographed the sequence using yarn so the dancers knew where each laser would be. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026 Diana, who knew the revelation was coming, chose to wear the figure-hugging, off-the-shoulder silk dress by Greek designer Christina Stambolian for a gala at London’s Serpentine Gallery. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knew

Verb

However, its more fundamental influence on biology has remained poorly understood, researchers say.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026
The arrival ceremony suggested that others understood the communicative potential of clothes at such an event, too.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of understood

Verb

That growth hasn’t always been linear, as the girls have experienced some unexpected changes these past several months, including the hiatus of fellow members Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
Millions watched American destinations around the world while international visitors experienced our hotels, restaurants, attractions and communities firsthand.

— Rachel J.C. Fu, Sun Sentinel, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of experienced

Verb

The hurricane center said Monday that Rachel had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was located about 225 miles south-southwest of Acapulco.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
Far more famous conflicts had a bond element, even a central one, Wigglesworth found.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of had

Verb

The key is creating conversations that solve problems, celebrate milestones and make customers feel recognized—not just sold to.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Eliza says, seemingly delighted that someone has recognized their unproblematic existence.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of recognized

Verb

Other major Chinese ports have felt the swell of containers, with Dimerco noting that ocean carriers have cut allocations and skipped calls at Qingdao to clear typhoon backlogs at southern ports.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Given that the challenge/ability relationship is not static, this balance needs to be regularly reassessed, as work that once felt challenging may eventually become routine.

— Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of felt

Verb

Re-creating the Herculaneum scrolls To date, one entire scroll and passages from others have been deciphered, largely thanks to the Vesuvius Challenge, a project launched in 2023 that encourages researchers to decode scrolls for cash prizes.

— Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Uncertainty notwithstanding, the longevity world has glommed onto the notion that the vaginal microbiome is some kind of exotic tealeaf that can be deciphered—and perfected by purchasing the right supplements.

— Sarah DiGregorio, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026

Definition of deciphered

Verb

As a result, Reeve underwent another operation, this time to remove dozens of lymph nodes from his abdomen.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 29 Sep. 2026
Researchers found that use of specialist psychiatric care increased during follow-up among adolescents and young adults who underwent medical transition.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026